President-elect Donald Trump He congratulated and thanked Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel after the representative from the Sunshine State announced her decision to abandon her affiliation with the Democratic Party and join the Republican Party.
“Today, I announce my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican,” Cassell said in a statement. “I will join the Florida House Republican Conference because I believe in their vision of a better, more prosperous Florida.”
In a statement praising the move, Trump urged more Democrats to defect.
DESANTIS WELCOMES FLORIDA GOP LAUGHmaker AS SHE DECLARES DEMOCRATS
LEFT: Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump smiles during the Cosmetology Association's Hispanic Roundtable on October 12, 2024 in North Las Vegas, Nevada; Right: Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel (Left: Ethan Miller/Getty Images; Right: flhouse.gov)
“Congratulations to Hillary Cassel as she becomes the second state representative from the great state of Florida to switch her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once again expanding the GOP supermajority in the House of Representatives! I would also like to call on other disillusioned Democrats to switch parties and join us in this endeavor Noble to save our country and make America great again – greater than ever, thank you Hillary Trump exclaimed in the Social Truth post.
Cassel's announcement came after his colleague Florida State Rep. Susan Valdes announced earlier this month that she would switch her registration from Democrat to Republican.
As she seeks office in 2022, Cassel described herself as a “proud Democrat,” a “pro-choice champion,” and a “loyal ally to the LGBTQ+ community.”
Florida prohibits children under 14 from using social media
Florida State Representative Susan Valdes (flhouse.gov)
She also pledged that she would “stand up to climate change deniers” and “stand up to the NRA and fight for a ban on military-style assault rifles and the high-capacity ammunition that makes them so lethal.”
But now Cassel says Democratic Party It does not reflect its values.
“As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged based on their character and actions, not their labels,” she noted in her statement. “As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly disturbed 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. I am continually disturbed by the current Democratic Party’s inability to connect with ordinary Floridians. He promises that I can stay in a party that does not represent my values.
Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel (flhouse.gov)
“I know I won't always agree on every detail with every Republican, but I know I will always have input, cooperation and respect. The House Republican Conference works to empower members to find common-sense solutions to the real issues facing all Floridians. Cassell noted that they welcome ideas Differentiation and cooperation, which is the cornerstone of effective government.
