In what could signal a continuing and major political realignment in America, another elected Democrat has decided to leave her party and join the Republican party. This case occurred in the Sunshine State, Florida, where Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel announced her decision to leave the Democratic Party on Friday, December 27.
State Rep. Cassel, who cited the values of her constituents and the values of the Democratic Party being far different than her own as her reason for switching parties, is the second such state Democrat from Florida to switch parties and join the GOP rather than remaining with the Democrats. In switching parties, the Broward county representative helped strengthen the Republican supermajority in the Florida House of Representatives.
Beginning her statement on why she left the party, she said, “Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. This decision was not made lightly but comes from a deep sense of responsibility to my constituents and my commitment to the values that guide my service.”
Continuing, she said that the state Republican Party better reflects her values and thinks will help lead the state into a better and more prosperous future. She said, making that point, “I will be joining the Republican Conference of the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in their vision for a better, more prosperous Florida.”
Then, commenting on what values she holds that the current Democratic Party doesn’t hold, she said, “As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions not on their labels. 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.”
Further, she noted that the party doesn’t seem to care about helping the sort of normal Floridians on whom it should be focused, noting that she can’t support a party that doesn’t share those values. She 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.”
Then, describing what she expects from the GOP, she said, “I know I won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican, but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect. The House Republican Conference empowers members to find common sense solutions to real issues facing all Floridians. They welcome different ideas and collaboration, which is the cornerstone of effective government. Those are my values.”
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Finally, she noted that she hopes her party switch will help her make the state a better place, saying, “I ran for office to make my community and this state better. I want my constituents to know my resolve to deliver on these promises has never been stronger. I know the best way to accomplish this is to join Speaker Perez and the Republican Conference in the Florida House of Representatives.”
Watch Sen. Manchin, who also left the Democratic Party, describe that decision here: