Shawn Reilly, the mayor of Waukesha, Wisconsin, a historically Republican stronghold, has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, marking his first endorsement of a Democrat. Reilly, who left the Republican Party after the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots, cited fears of authoritarianism under Donald Trump as a significant reason for his decision. Despite his Republican roots, Reilly voted for Joe Biden in 2020 and now supports Harris as a countermeasure to Trump, whom he considers a threat to democracy. This endorsement is significant given Wisconsin's status as a battleground state and the increasing political shifts in Milwaukee suburbs. Reilly's decision reflects a broader trend of political re-alignment in key areas, although Waukesha County remains largely Republican. Harris's campaign has focused on engaging such suburban areas to secure critical votes ahead of the upcoming election.