Ana Navarro Explains Why She Remains a Republican

Ana Navarro, a co-host on ABC's "The View" and a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, has explained that her continued registration as a Republican is strategic: she aims to vote in Florida's closed primaries to oppose GOP candidates.

During an appearance on "The View" with actor Michael Douglas, Navarro was asked why she maintained her Republican affiliation. She responded with laughter before explaining, "I live in Florida where the primaries are closed, and I want to be able to vote in the primaries and vote against those sons of b----es."

Navarro, who has often aligned with her more liberal co-hosts on policy issues and has publicly supported Democratic candidates, has faced criticism for her party affiliation. In a 2019 discussion on "The View," she described herself as an "old-fashioned Republican" who believed in free trade, a strong foreign policy, and was "pro-immigration."

Earlier this year, Navarro urged viewers to support a Democratic candidate in a key Florida congressional race, drawing further attention to her political stance. She has also been a host at the Democratic National Convention and supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

Critics have questioned Navarro's Republican identity. Republican strategist Mary Marslender argued that Navarro is a "token 'fake Republican'" and that her continued party affiliation is a "grift" that allows her to maintain a presence on news programs. Marslender suggested Navarro's business model relies on using the "Republican card meaninglessly" while criticizing the party.

Navarro has previously defended her position by drawing parallels to other affiliations. When challenged by co-host Sunny Hostin in 2022 about why she remained a Republican, Navarro countered by asking Hostin why she remained Catholic, implying that one can maintain an affiliation while not agreeing with every aspect of the associated institution.