Two Florida state Democratic lawmakers abandon party for the GOP

State Rep. Hillary Cassel on Friday said she did not reach her decision to switch her party affiliation easily, but that she believes in the Republican Party's "vision for a better, more prosperous Florida."

Published: December 27, 2024 4:46pm

Florida state Rep. Hillary Cassel on Friday became the second Florida state  Democratic lawmaker to switch to the GOP, citing a lack of support for Israel within her former party.

“As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism,” Cassel wrote in a post on X. “I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values." 

Cassel's exit comes after state Rep. Susan Valdés switched parties on Dec. 9. Valdés said she was leaving the party because it had ignored her and expected her to ignore the needs of her constituents. She also claimed she wanted to be part of the party who represented the working class, which she no longer felt Democrats were.

The two shifts will not change the party's power in Florida's lower chamber, because Republicans already hold a supermajority. The GOP also holds majorities in the U.S. House and Senate, and won back the White House last month.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.

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