In a stunning political shift, Gloria Romero, the former Democratic majority leader in the California State Senate, has announced her departure from the Democratic Party and her intention to vote for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election.
Romero, who served in office from 1998 to 2010, made her announcement at the State Capitol, flanked by prominent Republican figures.
“Today I say ‘goodbye, adios,’ I’ve had enough,” Romero declared, citing a growing disconnect with the Democratic Party’s current direction.
She criticized the party for moving “so far to the left” and accused it of marching “towards war, towards censorship, towards authoritarianism.”
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BREAKING: California Democrat Gloria Romero, who served as the State Senate Majority Leader, has just announced that she's leaving the Democrat party and becoming a Republican and will be voting for Trump this November
"Today, I say goodbye. Adios. I've had enough. I am now… pic.twitter.com/RK5wCOyQTw
— George (@BehizyTweets) September 4, 2024
Romero’s decision was driven by several key issues, including school choice, education freedom, and the Democratic Party’s shift away from working-class values and into the pockets of the elite.
She emphasized her collaboration with Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley on education reform for underprivileged children.
The move has been met with mixed reactions.
California GOP leaders welcomed Romero, and California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones praising her courage.
Democrats have downplayed the significance of her switch, pointing to her previous endorsement of Republican Larry Elder in the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election.
Romero’s defection is part of a broader trend of party switching in recent years. She joins other high-profile former Democrats like Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in joining the Trump campaign.
Conversely, some establishment Republicans, such as Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, have moved towards the Democratic Party.
This massive political shakeup comes at a critical time as both parties gear up for the critical 2024 presidential election.
Romero’s endorsement of Trump and her critique of the Democratic Party’s direction could influence voter perceptions, especially among Latino and working-class constituencies — a major win for Trump.