Former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, a lifelong Republican, is drawing criticism from the GOP for endorsing Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

Whitman made the endorsement during the almost all-virtual Democratic National Convention, which kicked off Monday night.

Whitman was governor from 1994 until 2001. She capped more than 20 years of displeasure with the more conservative elements of the Republican party with a full endorsement of Biden. Whitman refused to vote for President Donald Trump in 2016 and has frequently criticized the president. She was often seen as a moderate Republican.

New Jersey Democrats, including those who served on the state Legislature while Whitman was governor, praised her endorsement.

“I respect the fact that she came out and spoke her piece on behalf of America,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. “I respect the fact that other Republicans realized that we may not always agree on all the issues, but we love America and we love democracy and we will fight to ensure the integrity of democracy.”

But the chairman of New Jersey’s Republican Party is not happy with Whitman.

Chairman Doug Steinhardt said in a statement, “…no one in America should ever think that Christine Whitman represents the values of the New Jersey Republican Party…After she completes her endorsement of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris tonight, she should complete her change of party designation form tomorrow. We’ll gladly donate the postage stamp.”

Former GOP presidential hopeful John Kasich also praised Joe Biden during the convention.

Members of the opposite party throwing their support behind a presidential nominee has happened before.

New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew switched parties from Democrat to Republican last December to support Trump.

The Republican National Convention begins on Monday. Most of those events will also be virtual. Trump is expected to accept his party’s nomination for a second term on Aug. 27 in a speech live from the White House.