Tulsi Gabbard, former Democratic presidential candidate, joins the Republican Party at the Trump rally

Former Democratic presidential candidate and independent Tulsi Gabbard officially announced she is joining the Republican Party at a Trump rally on Tuesday.

The rally took place in Greensboro, North Carolina, a key swing state in the upcoming election.

Gabbard recently joined the Trump campaign as an honorary co-chair of the former president's transition team alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., another former Democrat.

TULSI GABBARD SAYS SHE WOULD BE AN “HONOR” TO JOIN A POTENTIAL TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

Gabbard justified her decision, among other things, with her admiration for President Trump's leadership in “transforming the Republican Party and making it once again the party of the people and the party of peace.”

“I am proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I am joining the Republican Party. “I’m joining the party of the people,” Gabbard said.

“The Party of Equality. The party founded to combat and end slavery in this country. It is the party of common sense and the party led by a president who has the courage and strength to fight for peace,” added Gabbard.

“Thank you very much, Tulsi. That's great. Wow, that was a surprise,” Trump said. “That was really the case, she has been independent for a long time. This is a great thing. A great honor. Thank you Tulsi.”

FORMER DEMOCRAT TULSI GABBARD SUPPORTS TRUMP IN 2024 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Tulsi Gabbard served as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2013 to 2016 before stepping down to officially endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) for president.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump hugs former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard during a campaign rally at the Greensboro Coliseum on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Gabbard, who ran as a Democrat in the 2020 presidential election, violently competed against then-candidate Kamala Harris in a primary debate, destroying her career as a prosecutor and attorney general in California.

At the time, Gabbard called out Harris for prosecuting numerous marijuana-related cases and for her influence on California's bail system.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump greets former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard during a campaign event at the Greensboro Coliseum on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Ultimately, Gabbard left the Democratic Party in 2022 and declared himself an independent. She has since started her own podcast and speaks at conservative events.

Gabbard represented Hawaii's Second District in Congress as a Democrat from 2013 to 2021. She serves in the U.S. Army Reserves with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

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Representatives for Tulsi Gabbard did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.