Florida's second Democratic lawmaker switched to the Republican Party this month, citing his former party's lack of unified support for Israel.
State Rep. Hilary Cassel (Republican) said in a statement Friday. On his social platform
“As a proud Jewish woman, I am 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. “There are,” Cassel said. “I'm always troubled by the current Democratic Party's inability to empathize with everyday life in Florida.”
“I cannot remain in a party that does not represent my values any longer,” she continued.
Cassel said he knows he won't agree with “every Republican” on “every detail,” but he knows he will always have input, cooperation and respect from the party. She said the conference supports members in finding “common sense solutions” to problems people face and welcomes different ideas and collaborations that represent her values.
“I ran to make our community and this state better,” she said. “I want voters to know that my determination to deliver on these promises is stronger than ever.”
Cassel is the second former Democratic member of the state House of Representatives to leave the party this month, following the departure of state Rep. Susan Valdez (R). after losing bid Become chairman of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party. Valdez said. She didn't want to spend her last two years in the state Legislature being “ignored” in a caucus with leaders who expected her to ignore the needs of her community.
Republicans already hold supermajorities in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, so replacing Valdez and Cassel would not significantly shake up the party's hold in the state. But these policies have further strengthened the Republican Party's dominance in a state that less than a decade ago was still considered a classic swing state.
State House Speaker Daniel Perez (Republican) welcomed Cassel to the party In his statement regarding X, he showed a photo of them together.
