Another Florida Democratic lawmaker, Hillary Cassel, is switching parties

On By Littum

Another Democratic Florida lawmaker switched parties this month, further increasing the legislative Republican supermajority.

Rep. Hillary Cassel of Dania Beach, who was first elected to the state House in 2022, made the announcement Tuesday afternoon.

“The decision was not made lightly, but comes from a deep sense of responsibility to my constituents and my commitment to the values ​​that guide my service,” Cassel said in a social media post, less than two months after winning a re-election, where she ran. without opposition.

In a move that drew pushback from Democrats, Tampa State Rep. Susan Valdés the same news earlier this month. Valdés said she had felt “ignored” by her party.

In her announcement, Cassel said the Democratic Party did not represent her values.

“As a proud Jewish woman, I have become increasingly concerned about the Democratic Party’s lack of unequivocal support for Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism,” she said. “I am constantly concerned about the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians.”

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Douglas Soule is based in Tallahassee, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected]. On X: @DouglasSoule.