Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel announced her switch to the Republican Party Friday, becoming the second Democratic lawmaker this month to cross the aisle and expanding the GOP’s historic state House majority.
“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,” Cassel said. “I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values.”
“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,” she said.
The move marks a stark reversal for Cassel, who campaigned in 2022 as a self-described “proud Democrat,” supporting abortion rights and gun control.
The move caused state Democrats to issue a statement asking other lawmakers and voters not to “walk away” from the party.
“Now is not the time to back down and walk away, it’s time for leadership and self-reflection,” Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried responded. “Floridians put their trust and faith in Representative Hillary Cassel to fight for them but unfortunately today, they lost representation.”
Cassel follows Tampa Representative Susan Valdés, who switched parties December 9 and subsequently received a vice chair appointment on the budget committee.
Democrats have now lost four House seats in Florida ahead of the 2025 session through elections and party changes. Florida used to be considered a critical swing-state, but has shifted deep red Republican in recent years.
President-elect Donald Trump celebrated the defection, and invited other “disillusioned” Democrats to join her and switch to the Republican Party.
“Congratulations to Hillary Cassel for becoming the second State Representative from the Great State of Florida to switch her Party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once more expanding the GOP Supermajority in the State House!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
““I would further like to invite other Disillusioned Democrats to switch Parties, and join us on this noble quest to Save our Country and, Make America Great Again – GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. THANK YOU HILLARY!”