1st Hindu US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Joins Republican Party

Tulsi Gabbard, first Hindu woman ever elected to U.S. Congress , has officially joined Republican Party. Gabbard me announcement on Tuesday, October 22, during a rally hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump in Greensboro, North Carolina, a crucial swing state in upcoming U.S. presidential election.

Gabbard, who left Democratic Party in 2022 and has since identified as an independent, cited her miration for Trump's leership and his efforts to transform Republican Party as key factors behind her decision.

Gabbard highlighted GOP's roots

“I’m proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I’m joining Republican Party. I am joining party of people," Gabbard said at rally. She praised Republican Party’s history, saying it was “ party of equality” and highlighted its founding principles of fighting against slavery. Gabbard ded, "It is party of common sense and party that is led by a president who has courage and strength to fight for peace."

A deeper look at GOP's roots

Republican Party, often referred to as GOP (Grand Old Party), was founded in 1854 by a coalition of anti-slavery activists, former Whigs, and Free Soilers who were united by a common goal: to oppose expansion of slavery into western territories of United States.

At time, issue of slavery h become a major point of contention in American politics. Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which allowed new territories to decide for mselves wher to permit slavery, was a key catalyst for formation of Republican Party. Many Norrn politicians and citizens were outraged by Act, seeing it as an attempt to spre slavery into areas where it h previously been banned by Missouri Compromise.

new Republican Party positioned itself as party of freedom and equality, with a strong anti-slavery platform. Its first presidential candidate, John C. Frémont, ran in 1856 with slogan "Free soil, free labor, free speech, free men." Although Frémont lost, party gained national prominence.

In 1860, Republican Party’s anti-slavery platform helped propel Abraham Lincoln to presidency. Lincoln’s election was a turning point in American history. His opposition to expansion of slavery into new territories and his commitment to preserving Union were central to his presidency. When Sourn states seceded after his election, nation was plunged into Civil War.

During Civil War, Lincoln and Republican Party took decisive action against slavery. In 1863, Lincoln issued Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all enslaved people in rebellious states were to be set free. This was followed by passage of 13th Amendment in 1865, which formally abolished slavery throughout United States.

early Republican Party's commitment to ending slavery and promoting equality established it as a champion of civil rights in post-Civil War era. In years following war, Republican-dominated Congress passed a series of Reconstruction-era amendments and laws aimed at securing rights of newly freed African Americans. 14th Amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in U.S., and 15th Amendment guaranteed voting rights regardless of race.

Over time, party’s platform and policies have evolved, but its origins as a party born out of fight against slavery remain a defining part of its legacy.

Here is what you need to know

Gabbard h recently become an honorary co-chair of Trump's transition team, along with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., anor former Democrat. Her alignment with Trump’s campaign signals her growing support for his leership.

Trump, visibly pleased, expressed his surprise and gratitude for Gabbard’s decision, saying, "Thank you very much, Tulsi. That’s great. Wow, that was a surprise. She’s been independent for a long time. That’s a great thing. A great honor. Thank you very much, Tulsi."

Gabbard’s shift to Republican Party marks a significant development in political landscape.