Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel of Dania Beach announced her switch from the Democratic to the Republican Party on Friday.
This marks the second Democratic state lawmaker to switch political parties this month, following Tampa Representative Susan Valdés’ change on December 9.
Newsweek contacted Cassel via email on Saturday for comment.
Why It Matters
The unexpected shift has resulted in House Democrats losing four seats ahead of the 2025 session, with two losses from recent elections and two from party changes.
The move particularly highlights divisions over Israel policy and questions about the Democratic Party‘s connection with Florida voters. The changes also expand Republican control in the Florida House, potentially affecting future legislative priorities and voting dynamics.
After Valdés’ political switch, which created the largest Republican advantage in chamber history, she received an influential appointment as vice chair of the budget committee on December 17 from House Speaker-designate Daniel Perez.
What To Know
In her formal statement, Cassel framed her decision around several key themes. She emphasized her roles as both a mother and a Jewish woman, expressing desire to “build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions not their labels.”
Cassel specifically cited growing concerns about the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel, pointing to what she described as its “failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism.” She also highlighted frustration with the party’s ability to “relate to everyday Floridians.”
Looking ahead, she acknowledged potential disagreements with her new party while expressing optimism about collaboration: “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 lawmaker praised the House Republican Conference for empowering members to “find common sense solutions to real issues facing all Floridians.”
Florida Democrats Respond
In a statement on their official website, the Florida Democratic party responded to Cassel’s exit: “Floridians put their trust and faith in Representative Hillary Cassel to fight for them but unfortunately today, they lost representation in the Florida House. Rep. Cassel’s decision to change parties is deeply disappointing but we cannot afford to turn our backs on Floridians.
“Florida Democrats face an uphill battle but that doesn’t mean we give up. There are nearly 4.5 million Democrats in our state and millions more who believe in our values. They are counting on us to continue fighting for them to create a state that is truly free and affordable for all — and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
What People Are Saying
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried on X: “Now is not the time to back down and walk away, it’s time for leadership and self-reflection. Floridians put their trust and faith in Representative Hillary Cassel to fight for them but unfortunately today, they lost representation in the Florida House.”
More from Fried on X: “This is not how we impact change & work towards improving the lives of our constituents. For those who choose to join a totalitarian party run by billionaires, who would rather make lives harder for seniors, vets, medically vulnerable & working class than pay their share of taxes.”
Political commentator Shea Jordan Smith on X: “Hillary Cassel was just reelected as a Democrat to the Florida State House on November 5, 2024. If she’s citing the Administration’s handling of the conflict between Israel and Palestine as the cause of her switch, why didn’t she run as a Republican during this election cycle?”
Democratic Florida Rep. Angie Nixon on X: “Rep. Hillary Cassel’s decision to switch parties is a betrayal of the voters who entrusted her to represent their values as a Democrat.”
President-elect Donald Trump on Truth Social: “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! 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!”
What’s Next
The party switches will likely impact upcoming legislative sessions and could influence future party dynamics in Florida. With an enhanced Republican supermajority, the legislature may see shifts in voting patterns and policy priorities.
The post Democrat Flipping Party to Republican After Election Sparks Liberal Fury appeared first on Newsweek.
