State Rep. Hillary Cassel Switches Party Affiliation to Republican
State Rep. Hillary Cassel became the second House Democrat to switch her party affiliation since the November elections, further adding to Republicans’ supermajority.
Reasons for the Switch
Hillary Cassel, a Dania Beach attorney, said in a post on X that she supports House Republicans’ “vision for a better, more prosperous Florida” and questioned whether the Democratic Party adequately supports Israel.
“As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions not their labels,” Cassel wrote. “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 also questioned the Democratic Party’s ability to “relate to everyday Floridians” and said the party “doesn’t represent my values.”
Reaction from Both Parties
The announcement came after Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes switched from Democrat to Republican on Dec. 9. Valdes made the move after she lost a bid to become chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee.
House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, posted on X “welcome to the team!”
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power also praised Cassel’s move.
“I’ve (known) her for a long time and I know she will be a valuable addition to our team!” Power posted on X.
However, Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, lambasted Cassel’s decision as “a betrayal of the voters who entrusted her to represent their values as a Democrat.”
Kristen Browde, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, also issued a statement blasting the move.
“One has to wonder whether Rep. Hillary Cassel is abandoning her principles as well as her party and the voters who elected her,” Browde said. “This is a representative who sought our endorsement and promised that she would defend equality. Now she is joining the forces of those who have sought to destroy it. This is inexplicable as well as disappointing. And it means that Cassel, like fellow turncoat Rep. Susan Valdes, can no longer be trusted by voters of either party.”
Impact on the Supermajority
Cassel’s move expanded the GOP supermajority to 87 members in the 120-seat House. It was a further blow to Democrats, whose hopes of cutting into the supermajority were dashed in the Nov. 5 elections.
Conclusion
State Rep. Hillary Cassel’s decision to switch party affiliation to Republican has significant implications for the balance of power in the Florida House of Representatives. While Cassel cited her support for the Republican Party’s vision for Florida and her concerns about the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel, her move has been met with criticism from both parties.
FAQs
Q: Why did State Rep. Hillary Cassel switch party affiliation?
A: Cassel cited her support for the Republican Party’s vision for Florida and her concerns about the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel.
Q: What is the impact of Cassel’s switch on the supermajority?
A: Cassel’s move expanded the GOP supermajority to 87 members in the 120-seat House.
Q: How did the Democratic Party react to Cassel’s switch?
A: Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, lambasted Cassel’s decision as “a betrayal of the voters who entrusted her to represent their values as a Democrat.” Kristen Browde, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, also issued a statement blasting the move.
Q: What is the significance of Cassel’s switch for the balance of power in the Florida House of Representatives?
A: Cassel’s switch further solidifies the Republican Party’s supermajority in the House, making it more difficult for Democrats to pass legislation.
