A longtime California Democrat who served as a legislative leader announced that she, like many of her colleagues all across the nation, is jumping ship and joining the Republican Party. Gloria Romero, who served as the state Senate majority leader for over three years out of a decade-long career in Sacramento, ripped into Democrats saying she no longer “recognizes her party,” though she still recognizes many of its historical figures, including President John F. Kennedy, as her “heroes.” Her announcement came back in September of 2024, but remains relevant given that much of what she spoke about when describing her decision to leave remains relevant today.
In any case, in her speech announcing her decision to leave the Democrats, Romero revealed she served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention for both Jesse Jackson and then-Sen. Barack Obama. According to the former Democrat, many Latinos and Latinas are fleeing from the Democratic Party for similar reasons. “Today, I say ‘Goodbye — adios’ — I’ve had enough,” Romero said in her announcement.
“I am now another near-lifelong Democrat who is joining the growing number of people … who are leaving the Democratic Party. Today, I join the Republican Party to make America great again, and I am ready to do my part as America prepares to vote,” Romero added, saying that her former political opponents have been welcoming her with open arms.
The former California Democrat said she could no longer stand by her party as they took “a giant leap to authoritarianism and censorship,” going on to quote former President Ronald Reagan, who famously stated that if fascism rose to power in the United States, it would come disguised as liberalism.
“It is terrifying to see how language has been modified so that, as a feminist and a former professor … I would be condemned for saying that I can define a woman and distinguish between biological sex and gender identity,” Romero explained. “While I am pro-choice, I will not support a party that advocates for abortion to full term. I am a mother and refuse to call myself a ‘birthing person.’”
She then piled on praise for the GOP saying, “The Republican Party has become the party of peace while the Democrats have marched towards endless war.” With both proverbial guns blazing, Romero slammed the Green movement, making it clear she opposes regulations on appliances. “As a Latina, I will not give up my gas stove; you cannot toast a tortilla on an electric range,” she wisecracked.
Republican state Sen. Brian Jones of San Diego, gave Romero a hearty welcome in a statement, according to the New York Post. In the statement, Jones said that Romero tried numerous times to “wake up” her former party to its radical drift to the left, but it was of no avail.
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“Her leadership and experience have always been about serving the people, not partisan politics. It takes real courage to step away from the party you’ve led and stand for what is right,” Jones went on to say, adding, “The pendulum is swinging in California — Sky-high prices, increasing crime, and record homelessness are the direct results of a broken government…”
Lots of folks got on social media platform X to share their thoughts on Romero’s switch. One leftist commenter was none too happy about it, writing, “Go on, get out. Who needs you Latina turncoat. D*MN COMMIE!” Another comment brought up an interesting observation about a current division that seems to be tearing through the GOP. “Welcome to the RINO party. If you behave yourself, and try to do good, you might actually make it to the Republican Party,” the commenter said.
With the rejection of the redistricting effort in Indiana, which featured a number of Republicans siding against President Donald Trump’s efforts to help the House gain greater control over Congress, many conservatives have noted there seems to be a split in the GOP, as the president continues to fight against Republicans In Name Only (RINOs). With Romero joining the party, conservatives believe there’s a realignment going on with those who are truly America First siding with Trump and those who aren’t joining with the establishment.
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video