President-elect Donald Trump congratulated Florida state Rep. Hillary Cassel on Saturday for her switch to the Republican Party, inviting other “Disillusioned Democrats” to do the same.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “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!”
Cassel’s move away from the Democratic Party, announced on Friday, means that the GOP now has a supermajority of 87-33 in the 120-seat Florida House.
In a statement announcing her decision, Cassel expressed concern over the Democratic Party’s wavering support for Israel in its war in Gaza, along with the “inability” for Democrats to “relate to everyday Floridians.”
“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. I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values,” she said.
She also praised Republicans’ ability to find “common sense solutions” and willingness to cross the aisle.
“The House Republicans Conference empowers members to find common sense solutions to real issues facing all Floridians. They welcome different ideas and collaboration, which is the cornerstone of effective government. Those are my values,” Cassel said.
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Her decision followed fellow Florida state Rep. Susan Valdes’s switch to the GOP weeks earlier. Valdes similarly vented frustration with the Democratic Party in a statement announcing the move.
“I’m tired of being the party of protesting when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress. I know that I won’t agree with my fellow Republican House members on every issue, but I know that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect,” she said.
