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

"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."

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. 

The Harris campaign aims to put a dent in Trump's strong support in rural communities. The former president carried rural voters by a nearly two-to-one margin in the 2020 election, according to a Fox News voter analysis. 

In the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters aiming to disrupt congressional certification of President Biden's 2020 election victory, the younger Cheney - once a rising conservative star in the GOP - has vowed to do everything she can to prevent the former president from returning to power.

While Trump retains vast sway over the GOP, even a small sliver of Republicans supporting Harris could make a consequential impact in what will likely be a race within the margins in the key swing states.

The Harris campaign is courting such voters with on-the-ground events and through paid media efforts.

At a campaign event last week in Pennsylvania where Harris was joined by leading anti-Trump Republicans - including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan - the vice president was introduced by lifelong Pennsylvania Republicans Bob and Kristina Lange.

The Langes, who own a family farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania, have also starred in a Harris campaign commercial. The Langes say they've seen a barrage of hateful and derogatory messages following their appearance in the Harris ad.

But in a Fox News Digital interview last week, they noted that their Republican friends say "that they're on the same page that we are. They're approaching us and telling us 'We're behind you.' They're thanking us for what we're doing. They're thanking us for being brave because many people are afraid to speak out against Trump because of revenge and other things like that."