A Democratic senator from California has defected to the Republican Party, saying the current state of the left “is not the party I supported decades ago.”
State Sen. Marie Alvarado Gil, a longtime Democrat who represents the northeastern part of California’s Central Valley, appeared on Fox News on Thursday and said, Breaking the news About her party switch.
“During my two years as a senator, I have not recognized which party I belong to,” the congressman said. “The Democratic Party is not the party I supported decades ago.”
“I cannot in good conscience continue to call myself a Democrat because of my values and my commitment to representing the voters of California,” Alvarado Gil continued.
She lamented the “uphill battle” she faces with her Democratic colleagues to effect positive change, saying, “My Republican colleagues have a plan to rebuild California, and I want to be a part of it.”
The state’s 4th Senate District is largely rural and had been represented by a Republican since 1993 until Alvarado Gil’s election in 2022.
“From day one, I have put the interests of my constituents first. I was elected for the people, not for a political ideology.” Alvarado Gil said.
“The status quo with Democrat supermajorities in the Legislature simply isn’t working in this state.” Legislator said In a follow-up statement, New York Post I got it.
Alvarado Gil was warmly embraced by the California Republican Party, with the state Senate Republican caucus describing her as “pragmatic. Passionate. Strong. Republican.”
Pragmatic. Intense. Strong. Republican.
welcome Follow Caucus, Alvarado Gil SD4! pic.twitter.com/8DCyMllcsA
— California Senate Republicans (@CASenReps) August 9, 2024
“I look forward to continuing the work we’re doing to ensure a safe and prosperous California for all of our constituents.” said caucus chair, State Sen. Kelly Seyart;
California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-California) also praised Alvarado Gil for switching parties, saying, “It takes courage to stand up to a supermajority in California, and Murray has what it takes.”
“Her record of fighting crime, protecting our communities from sexually violent predators and putting her constituents first speaks for itself,” he added, saying the Republican Party needs more “pragmatic” Democrats to join the party.
I welcome Senator Marie Alvarado Gil to the Senate Republican Caucus.
It takes courage to stand up to the overwhelming majority of Californians, but Marie has it. Her track record of standing up to crime, protecting our communities from sexually violent predators, and putting her own priorities first…
— Brian W. Jones (@SenBrianJones) August 9, 2024
The change gave Republicans nine of California’s 40 senators seats.
“I’m never angry when a Democrat becomes a Republican. Some may question his motives, but [the] “Republicans will gain seats in California, but they will need to replace at least one state senator,” Rep. Joe Paterson (R-California) said in a post on X.
I would never get angry because a Democrat became a Republican. Some may question the motives, but for Republicans to gain seats in California, it takes more than one state senator to flip. Millions of Californians have to flip. The good news is that it did…
— Joe Patterson (@Patterdude) August 9, 2024
“We need millions of Californians, and the good news is that we’re seeing it happen with voter registration in every legislative district,” he added.
Alvarado Gil is not up for reelection until 2026, so he has two years left in his term to work with Republicans.
