Overview

• Former congressman and Tea Party figure Joe Walsh announced on June 3 that he officially registered as a Democrat after five years as an independent.
• Walsh argued that Donald Trump’s Republican Party poses a real and direct threat to democracy and the rule of law, making Democrats the sole defenders of those principles.
• He acknowledged past divisive rhetoric and said he has softened on LGBTQ rights, immigration reform and climate change after listening to diverse perspectives.
• While maintaining conservative positions on gun rights and border security, he called on Democrats to welcome moderates, progressives and fellow conservatives in a “big tent” against Trump’s GOP.
• His party switch follows historically low approval ratings for Democrats and could broaden the party’s appeal ahead of upcoming elections.