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elected president donald trump congratulated and thanked Florida state Rep. Hillary Cassel after the Sunshine State lawmaker announced her decision to drop her Democratic Party affiliation and join the GOP.
“Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican,” Cassel said in a statement. “I will join the Florida House Republican Conference because I believe in their vision for a better and more prosperous Florida.”
In a statement celebrating the move, Trump urged more Democrats to defect.
DESANTIS WELCOMES REPUBLICAN PARTY WITH DEMOCRATS TO FLORIDA STATE LEGISLATURE
Left: Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump smiles during a Hispanic panel discussion at the Beauty Society on Oct. 12, 2024 in North Las Vegas, Nevada; Right: Florida State Rep. Hillary Cassel (Left: Ethan Miller/Getty Images; Right: flhouse.gov)
“Congratulations to Hillary Cassel on becoming the second State Representative from the Great State of Florida to switch her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once again expanding the Republican supermajority in the State House! Also, m would like to invite other disillusioned Democrats to switch parties, and join us in this noble quest to save our country and make America great again, THANK YOU NEVER HILLARY!” Trump exclaimed in a Truth Social post.
Cassel’s announcement came after co State of Florida Rep. Susan Valdés announced earlier this month that she would change her registration from Democrat to Republican.
While seeking office in 2022, Cassel described herself as a “proud Democrat,” a “pro-choice champion” and a “stalwart ally of the LGBTQ+ community.”
FLORIDA PROHIBITS SOCIAL NETWORKS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE
Florida State Rep. Susan Valdés (flhouse.gov)
He also pledged to “stand up to #ClimateChange 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 the Democratic Party it does not reflect their values.
“As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged by their character and their actions not their labels,” she noted in her statement. “As a proud Jewish woman, I have become increasingly troubled by the failure of the Democratic Party to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism. I am constantly troubled by the inability of the ‘current Democratic Party. to relate to everyday Floridians, I can no longer remain in a party that does not represent my values.
Florida State Rep. 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, collaboration and respect. The House Republican Conference empowers members to find common sense solutions to the real problems that they face all Floridians. They welcome diverse ideas and collaboration, which is the cornerstone of effective government. Those are my values,” Cassel noted.
