'Bold vision': Historic Bush Cabinet secretary makes key endorsement in 2024 presidential race

FIRST ON FOX: A top official in President George W. Bush's administration, who made history as the nation's first female Department of Agriculture secretary, is the latest leading Republican to back Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Trump.

And the endorsement of the vice president by Ann Veneman - shared first with Fox News Digital on Wednesday - comes as the Harris campaign continues its efforts to court Republicans who didn't support Trump during this year's GOP nomination race - and as the campaign aims to cut into the former president's support among rural voters.

"As our nation stands at a critical juncture, the upcoming presidential election presents a stark contrast in leadership and values, particularly for rural communities and agriculture," Veneman said in a statement.

Veneman, who grew up on a peach farm in California, made history as the first female U.S. secretary of agriculture - in George W. Bush's administration. Veneman, who was also the first woman to serve as secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, argued, "Donald Trump's current tariff proposal is dangerous for rural America. It would raise prices on essential goods, harm farmers by undermining key trade relationships, and increase costs for consumers."

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And pointing to proposals by Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim  Walz, Veneman emphasized that "their plan for rural communities is a bold vision for the future that invests in economic growth, critical infrastructure, and greater access to care for families. Together, they offer the leadership we need to help agriculture and rural America thrive."

Walz last week highlighted the Harris campaign's plans to improve the lives of rural voters, which include proposals to recruit 10,000 new health care professionals in rural and tribal areas through scholarships, loan forgiveness and new grant programs.