Joe Walsh
Republican Congress
Summary
Former Tea Party congressman who challenged Trump in the 2020 Republican primary and later endorsed Joe Biden.
In Their Own Words
Key Statements
“
Trump is unfit. He's a would-be dictator.
Announcing primary challenge
“
I'm going to do everything I can to help elect Joe Biden as our next president.
Endorsing Biden
“
On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump committed the most un-American act ever by a President. On that day, he ended his legacy. And on that day, he lost me forever.
Statement after January 6
Timeline
January 3, 2011
Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
Tea Party wave election
January 3, 2013
Left Congress after one term
Lost re-election bid
August 25, 2019
Announced primary challenge to Trump
Ran against Trump in 2020 GOP primary
February 7, 2020
Dropped out of GOP primary
Ended presidential campaign
August 16, 2020
Endorsed Joe Biden
Crossed party lines
Why This Matters
Credibility & Background
Positions Held
- U.S. Representative from Illinois (2011-2013)
- Conservative radio host (2013-2019)
- 2020 Republican presidential candidate
Analysis
Reasons for Opposition
- 01 Called Trump unfit and a would-be dictator
- 02 Condemned Trump's actions on January 6
- 03 Supported Biden as the alternative
Documentation
Sources
News August 25, 2019
Joe Walsh says he'll challenge Trump in 2020
https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/25/politics/joe-walsh-2020-trump-challenge/index.html
News August 16, 2020
Joe Walsh endorses Joe Biden
https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/16/politics/joe-walsh-endorses-joe-biden/index.html
Social January 7, 2021
Joe Walsh on Trump and January 6
https://x.com/WalshFreedom/status/1347240086537658369
Explore the full list of Republican officials, military leaders, and former staff who have spoken out against Trump.