they are not former reps.
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you can't just change your political ideology, it doesn't work like that. in america your beliefs usually should align with the party leader, but in this case there are many disgruntled with trumps shenanigans, as he polarized many even within his base. these people thus dont mind voting for a dem as in this case they are not satisfied with their rep. but if there is a better republican running in 2024, they no doubt will vote for them.
same way if biden is trash as hell this presidency, and a favorable republican with more progressive views runs in the next term, they will nominate them