In a significant political shift, Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel announced her switch from the Democratic to Republican Party, met with praise from President-elect Donald Trump.
At a Glance
- Hillary Cassel shifts party from Democrat to Republican.
- Trump applauds Cassel’s decision and encourages more switches.
- Florida GOP increases its supermajority in the House.
- Cassel cites misalignment with current Democratic values.
Cassel’s Switch from Democrat to Republican
State Representative Hillary Cassel of Florida’s 101st district announced her party switch from Democrat to Republican. Cassel, who was elected in 2022 and reelected without opposition, cited a divergence with the current Democratic Party’s values as a driving factor in her decision. She believes aligning with the majority party will better enable her to fulfill campaign promises.
The shift comes amid a broader realignment within Florida’s political landscape following a similar move by State Rep. Susan Valdés. Cassel’s decision bolsters the Republican supermajority in the Florida House to an 87-33 margin.
Congratulations to Hillary Cassel for becoming the second State Representative from the Great State of Florida to switch her Party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once more expanding the GOP Supermajority in the State House! I would further like to invite other…
— Trump Posts on 𝕏 (@trump_repost) December 28, 2024
Trump’s Support and Call for More Defections
President-elect Donald Trump publicly congratulated Cassel for her decision, inviting other Democrats to join the Republican Party. He emphasized the significance of expanding the GOP supermajority in Florida’s state legislature as part of a broader strategy to restore American strengths.
“I would further like to invite other Disillusioned Democrats to switch Parties, and join us on this noble quest to Save our Country and, Make America Great Again — GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE” – Donald Trump
Trump’s endorsement underscores a trend of increasing Republican influence in historically Democrat-leaning districts, highlighting shifting voter sentiments. Meanwhile, Florida’s Democratic leadership has expressed concern over such defections, with figures like Nikki Fried criticizing these moves.
President-elect Donald Trump welcomed Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel to the Republican Party in a Saturday social media post. Trump’s Truth Social post was shared on X/Twitter one day after the Broward politician announced her departure from the Democrat Party.…
— RED BROWARD (@RedBroward) December 28, 2024
Local and National Reactions
Cassel’s decision is seen as part of a broader dissatisfaction among moderate Democrats, who feel alienated by the party’s current direction. Cassel expressed concerns over progressive elements within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding Israel and far-left agendas.
“This decision was not made lightly but comes from a deep sense of responsibility to my constituents and my commitment to the values that guide my service. I will be joining the Republican Conference of the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in their vision for a better, more prosperous Florida.” – Hillary Cassel
House Speaker Daniel Perez welcomed Cassel to the GOP, expressing enthusiasm for her contributions and reaffirming the party’s commitment to effective policy-making for Floridians.
Sources
1. Another Democrat in the Florida House is joining the Republican Party. Here’s why.
2. Trump hails Florida Dem’s decision to ditch party, join GOP: ‘THANK YOU HILLARY!’
