A Florida congressman who was just re-elected as a Democrat has switched his party affiliation to Republican.
State Rep. Susan Valdez announced the move to X on Monday. “I will immediately change my registration from Democrat to Republican and join the Republican Conference in the Florida House of Representatives,” she said in a statement. statement.
“I know I won’t agree with House Republicans on every issue, but I know I will be welcomed and treated with respect in their caucus.”
Valdez claimed in a statement that he identified himself as a Democrat “partly by habit” because his family considers them Democrats. She also suggested that House Speaker Daniel Perez and other Republicans in particular have a better “vision” for Florida's future. districtcovering the West Tampa area.
“Mr. Perez has laid out a vision for the House of Representatives that is focused on empowering members to address real issues facing our communities, and I want to be part of that,” Valdez said.
She even suggested that Democrats were just naysayers, saying, “I entered politics to be part of the party of progress, and I'm tired of being on the side of protest.” Ta.
Elsewhere in her statement, she hinted that her reasons for abandoning the Democratic Party may be personal.
- “I have no intention of wasting my last two years in the Florida Legislature being ignored by a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of our communities.”
- “I know I won't agree with House Republicans on every issue, but I know I'll be welcomed and treated with respect in my caucus.”
In addition, Valdez unsuccessfully campaigned for Hillsborough County Democratic Party Executive Chairman just last week, the newspaper reported. tallahassee democrat. She defeated Republican challenger Maura Cruz Lantz by five points in November.
At least one Democratic colleague in the state Legislature isn't sorry to see Valdez jump.
“Congressman Valdez was elected by voters as a Democrat to fight for our shared values here in Tallahassee, but he has consistently expressed that he feels the Republican Party does not adequately represent his constituents and his beliefs. and shared it publicly,” said Democratic House Minority Leader Fentris Driskell. In a statement.
“It’s sad that she put her own aspirations above the needs of the district.”
But the Republican Party, which now holds an 86-34 Democratic majority, is welcoming Valdez with open arms.
- “Welcome to the Republican Party!” he tweeted. X account For the National Republican Party.
- “We all know Susan to be a passionate advocate for her community and an extraordinary person of common sense. She will be a great addition to the Republican team,” Perez said in a statement.
- Added a tweet from “Welcome to the Republican Party, Rep. Valdez! Congratulations Speaker @Daniel_PerezFL on winning the largest Republican majority in the history of the Florida House of Representatives!” personal account Remarks from Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
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