Florida Rep. Hillary Cassel announced Friday that she is switching her party affiliation from Democratic to Republican.
Cassell, who represents Florida's 101st Congressional District, announced the switch in a post on Twitter. She cited concerns about Democrats' “failure to unequivocally support Israel” and what she called a disconnect with everyday Floridians. Cassel is the second Florida Democrat to join the Republican Party, along with Rep. Susan Valdez of Tampa.
“Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democratic to Republican. This decision was not made lightly, but out of a deep sense of responsibility to my constituents and the values that guide my service. My commitment comes from this. I join the Republican Conference in the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in the Republican Party's vision for a better and more prosperous Florida,” Cassel said in a statement. . (Related: Voters are increasingly abandoning Democrats and supporting Republicans in key battleground states)
See statement below. pic.twitter.com/YJbqjpt8Kh
— Congresswoman Hilary Cassel (@RepCassel) December 27, 2024
“As a proud Jewish woman,” she continued. “I have become increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party's inability to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extremely progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism. I am constantly troubled by the Democratic Party's inability to relate to everyday life in Florida. I cannot remain in a party that does not represent my values.”
Cassel appeared to hint at a switch in early December when he tweeted an infographic depicting the Republican supermajority in Florida's next Congress.
“Understanding the makeup of the Legislature is key to navigating the upcoming legislative session and meeting the needs of Floridians,” she wrote. (Related: Republican Rep. Paul Mitchell plans to change political parties because of President Trump)
Let's take a look at Florida's House and Senate ratios in 2025.
Understanding the makeup of the Legislature is key to managing the Legislature in the future and meeting the needs of Floridians.
Let's work together to ensure all voices are heard. #FloridaPolitics #FloridaState Legislature pic.twitter.com/5vRHwzde7U— Congresswoman Hilary Cassel (@RepCassel) December 3, 2024
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez supported the move, writing:I'm proud to share that @RepCassel Participated in the House Republican Conference. Welcome to the team! ”
I'm proud to share that @RepCassel Participated in the House Republican Conference. Welcome to the team! https://t.co/UiFVrcny4L pic.twitter.com/6UdFrDj5eW
— Daniel Perez (@Daniel_PerezFL) December 27, 2024
House District 101 includes Dania Beach and parts of Broward County. Cassel won the seat in 2022, defeating Republican challenger Guy Silla (46%) with 53% of the vote. His current term expires in November 2026. The 101st District also tilted 16 points Republican, going from +14 points to Joe Biden in 2020 to +2 to Donald Trump in 2024, according to a tweet from @Uncrewed, who writes about statewide elections. . substack.
The Florida Republican Party had another very good year, but ended up leaving Trump's district uncontested in the state Legislature.
Democrat Hillary Cassel #HD101 (Davie/Broward Southeast) won a hands-down victory even though her district went from Biden +14 to Trump +2.
— Uncrewed (@Uncrewed) December 23, 2024
