Michigan GOP mayor says he regrets voting for Trump in 2016

One Republican mayor in Michigan voiced his regret for voting President Trump into office in 2016, saying Tuesday it was a “mistake” he will not repeat.

“Trump is just bad for our country. He’s bad for the city of Sterling Heights, he’s bad for Macomb County, and I made a mistake,” said Mayor Michael Taylor, adding that he cast his vote for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden this year, NBC News reported.

Taylor, who presides over the city of Sterling Heights, said he is not alone in his regret over his 2016 vote. He added that he’s seen fewer Trump campaign signs this election cycle than he did four years ago.

“I’m hearing from my neighbors and my friends who are saying ‘I just can’t stomach the guy anymore,’ ” he said, adding that residents have raised concerns about the president’s leadership and handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Taylor first offered his endorsement to Biden in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, where he said the former vice president would be a candidate who can appeal to both party lines.

“I think Joe Biden is the candidate who can unify all of the Democrats, and he’s the candidate who can appeal to moderates and Republicans like me who don’t want to see four more years of President Trump,” Taylor told the Chicago Tribune.

Taylor voiced confidence that voters in Macomb County would come out in support of Biden, also emphasizing the significance the county holds in Michigan’s electoral college weight.

“If Macomb goes for Biden, forget about Pennsylvania, forget about Wisconsin, forget about Florida. It’s game over,” said Taylor.

“We need strong leadership. We need somebody who’s focused on getting our kids back to school, getting our jobs back. And he’s more focused on his Twitter account,” Taylor said.