Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder Endorses Joe Biden

MICHIGAN — Former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. In a USA Today editorial, Snyder wrote that he is a Republican vote for the Democratic Biden.

"I will continue to support and stand up for Republican policies and values, and support Republican candidates, but I will not support Donald Trump for reelection," Snyder wrote.

Throughout the editorial, which can be viewed here, Snyder criticized Trump. The first of Snyder's points is that Trump has not unified the nation. He also said Trump hasn't represented his supporters and those who voted for him in the previous presidential election.

"That is your job," Snyder said. "I was at the nation’s Capitol when Trump gave his inaugural address. I had hoped this first speech as president would be a message to unify a divided nation. Instead, I heard a speech directed at how he would help the people who supported him. And sadly, that is how President Trump continues to govern."

Snyder noted the need for civility to be returned to the nation as well, adding that while Trump has not appreciated public policy matters and has "lacks a moral compass," Biden has shown a desire to heal the nation, which is currently divided on major issues.

Biden, Snyder wrote, has shown strong moral character and empathy while seeming willing to listen to people whose views and perspectives differ from his own.

"We will not continue to be the greatest nation in the world if we can’t get along among ourselves," Snyder wrote. "We have only become more divided over the past four years. We need a leader who believes in civility and bringing Americans closer together."

The announcement from Snyder came in conjunction with the launch of Republicans and Independents for Biden, a coalition of nearly 100 former and current officeholders, government officials and political operatives. The group is affiliated and funded by the anti-Trump Lincoln Project PAC.

The coalition is the latest group of Republicans supporting Biden to come out publicly as Trump comes under criticism for his handling of the coronavirus and race relations. Some backed Hillary Clinton in 2016. Snyder did not endorse a candidate in that race, when Trump became the first Republican to win Michigan in 28 years.

Former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, who endorsed Biden at the recent Democratic National Convention along with former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, is chairing the group's steering committee, which includes Snyder, former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld and at least 20 former members of Congress.

Information and reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this report.