WASHINGTON (AP) — As the campaign season heats up, Republican leaders are cautioning party members against resorting to racist and sexist attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. With the upcoming election less than four months away, the GOP, along with former President Donald Trump’s campaign, are adapting to the new challenge of facing a Democratic opponent.

During a closed-door meeting of House Republicans, National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Richard Hudson urged lawmakers to focus on criticizing Harris for her involvement in Biden-Harris administration policies. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized to reporters that the election should center on policies rather than personalities.

The warnings reflect the potential pitfalls for Republicans in contesting a candidate who could make history as the first female, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the presidency. Concerns are rising about the impact of racist and misogynistic rhetoric, particularly from Trump, whose previous attacks could alienate crucial swing voter groups like suburban women, voters of color, and younger demographics.

Some members and allies of Trump have begun framing Harris, a former district attorney, attorney general, and senator, as a “DEI” hire, referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman criticized Harris in a TV interview, suggesting she was a beneficiary of affirmative action hiring practices.

With Biden stepping aside from the campaign, Republicans have unleashed a barrage of attacks against Harris, aiming to link her to unpopular Biden policies and portraying her as complicit in covering up Biden’s health issues. Johnson highlighted the comparison between the Trump and Biden administrations’ policies, asserting that Harris played a significant role in the decisions that led to the current state of affairs.

Trump and other Republicans have branded Harris as more liberal and radical than Biden, attempting to tarnish her image and raise doubts about her ability to govern effectively. The focus has shifted to Harris’ record as a prosecutor in California, emphasizing her approach to crime and portraying her as weak on law enforcement.

The upcoming campaign is likely to be marked by intense scrutiny of Harris, with both Republicans and Democrats gearing up for a fierce battle. Trump’s past propensity for launching personal attacks, particularly against women, raises concerns about the tone of the campaign and the potential impact on voters.

As the political landscape shifts, the interaction between Trump and Harris on the debate stage looms large, setting the stage for a showdown that could shape the outcome of the election. Republicans and Democrats are preparing for a contentious race, with Harris emerging as a central figure in the campaign narrative.