Former Democratic candidate for president and independent Tulsi Gabbard formally announced Tuesday at a Trump rally that she will join the Republican Party.

The meeting was held in Greensboro, North Carolina, a key swing state in the upcoming elections.

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

TULSI GABBARD SAYS SHE WOULD BE ‘HONORED’ TO JOIN A POTENTIAL TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

Gabbard cited her admiration for President Trump’s leadership “to transform the Republican Party and return it to the party of the people and the party of peace” in part as the reason for her decision.

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

Gabbard announced her official support for the Republican Party at the Trump rally on Tuesday evening. (Getty Images)

“The party of equality. The party that was founded to fight 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,” he added. Gabbard.

“Thank you very much, Tulsi. That’s great. Wow, that was a surprise,” Trump said. ‘It really was, she’s been independent for a long time. That’s great. A great honor. Thank you very much, Tulsi.’

FORMER DEMOCRAT TULSI GABBARD ENDORSES 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 at a campaign rally at Greensboro Coliseum, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Greensboro, NC (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Gabbard, who ran as a Democrat in the 2020 presidential election, violently took on then-candidate Kamala Harris during 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 to convictions and her impact on California’s bail system.

Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, welcomes former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at a campaign rally at Greensboro Coliseum, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Greensboro, NC (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 spoken at conservative events.

Gabbard represented Hawaii’s second district in Congress from 2013 to 2021 as a Democrat. She serves in the United States 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.