(WWJ) A high-profile Macomb County Republican is making national headlines over his pick for President of the United States.

Mayor Michael Taylor of Sterling Heights — Michigan's fourth largest city, and one considered key to Donald Trump's election in 2016 — tweeted on Monday:

"How could I look at those three kids and tell them I'm proud to support Donald Trump? I can't. I won't. I'm voting for @JoeBiden tomorrow and endorsing him for President of the United States. I hope you'll join me. #Biden2020#MichiganPrimary."

How could I look at those three kids and tell them I'm proud to support Donald Trump? I can't. I won't. I'm voting for @JoeBiden tomorrow and endorsing him for President of the United States. I hope you'll join me. #Biden2020#MichiganPrimary https://t.co/GIA3PT5DNS — Michael C. Taylor (@MayorMikeTaylor) March 9, 2020

The mayor, who was elected in 2014, first shared his endorsement of Biden with the Chicago Tribune. He called Trump's presidency "deranged," and said he believes Biden is best positioned to build the broad coalition of voters needed to win the White House in November.

“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 newspaper.

The story has since been run by media outlets including CBS News, The Daily Beast, Newsweek, the Washington Post and CNN International, to name a few.

Taylor doesn't seem to mind the attention over what is clearly a controversial message. He pinned his tweet, and posted an image of the Tribune on Facebook with the comment: "Check this out! Really awesome to see yourself and kids on the front page of a major out-of-town newspaper like the Chicago Tribune. I'm going to cherish this picture of us for the rest of my life. It's really incredible that Sterling Heights and Macomb County will play such a pivotal role in selecting the President this year. Very proud to represent this city and its amazing people!"

Reaction, as one might expect, has been mixed. But based on online comments alone, it seems to tend toward the negative.

Bill Hilyard responded on Facebook: "What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you ever support Biden? Please change your party affiliation so we all know where you really stand. What a damn shame."

Chris LaBarbera wrote: "So the people of Michigan elected a turn coat...."

Mark Butler commented: "Mr. Taylor. I think you are the one who is deranged here. You're selling out because for some reason you must be thinking it will save your own political hide. Sad that you have no backbone to stand up for Pro-life, conservative values. Sad, truly Sad!"

On the other hand, William Dechavez responded: "So proud of my city, mayor and family members."

And Georgia E tweeted: "Thank you, Michael. I voted for Biden, as well. We need some common decency and normalcy back in our White House again."

It's unclear if Taylor may face any repercussions from GOP leadership.