Statement from General David Harris on Republican Convention Eligibility

General David Harris dedicated his career to serving the United States in uniform, where political affiliation is set aside in favor of mission, country, and the duty to lead in life-and-death situations. To fulfill that duty with complete impartiality, when General Harris was promoted to senior leadership, he changed his registration from Republican to Independent. When he was called to serve our country again, this time in the US Congress, he re-registered with the party that reflects his conservative values and principles he has lived his life by: service, responsibility, faith, discipline, and love of country. General Harris recently re-registered as a Republican, but he has been one his entire life.

General Harris is disappointed that, because he was registered as an independent during his service, he does not meet the Republican Party’s rule requiring a full year of Republican registration and therefore is not eligible to participate in the convention process. He wanted the opportunity to stand before Republican delegates, introduce himself directly, and give them the chance to decide whether he had earned their support at the convention.

Although General Harris respects the party and its process, this outcome remains disappointing. Many Utahns will understandably view his years of military service and lifelong conservative values as evidence of his character, regardless of how he was registered while serving his country.

While he is disappointed he cannot participate in the convention, General Harris remains dedicated to speaking directly with voters and earning their trust. His mission has always been service, and that has not changed.