Second Florida Democratic lawmaker switches to GOP

A second Democratic Florida legislator has switched parties to the GOP this month, citing her former party’s lack of unified support for Israel. 

State Rep. Hillary Cassel (R) said in a Friday statement on the social platform X that she is not making the decision lightly, but she is joining the Republican Party because she believes in its “vision for a better, more prosperous Florida.” 

“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 said. “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,” she continued. 

Cassel said she recognizes she won’t agree with “every Republican” on “every detail,” but she knows she will always have input, collaboration and respect from the party. She said the conference supports members finding “common-sense solutions” to the issues facing people and welcomes differing ideas and collaboration, which represent her values. 

“I ran for office to make my community and this state better,” she said. “I want my constituents to know my resolve to deliver on these promises has never been stronger.” 

Cassel is the second former state House Democrat to leave the party this month after state Rep. Susan Valdés (R) left the party after losing a bid to become the chair of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party. Valdés said she did not want to spend what would be her final two years in the state Legislature “being ignored” in a caucus with leaders expecting her to ignore her community’s needs. 

Republicans already enjoy a supermajority in both houses of the Florida Legislature, so Valdés and Cassel’s switches do not majorly shake up party power in the state. But they further add to the growing GOP dominance in a state that less than a decade ago was still considered the quintessential swing state. 

State House Speaker Daniel Perez (R) welcomed Cassel into the party in a statement on X, showing a picture of them together.