Former Florida Dem Reveals The Exact Moment That Made Her To Switch Parties [WATCH]

Florida Republican Rep. Hillary Cassel explained her decision to switch parties during a Monday appearance on The Ingraham Angle on Fox News. Cassel, who had been a member of the Democratic Party, discussed the factors that led to her departure, specifically her experiences with anti-Semitism within her former party.

Cassel, who is Jewish, recalled a moment that left a lasting impact on her.

She described how she had initially joined the Democratic Party with the belief that it was a broad coalition that welcomed a diversity of ideas and beliefs.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

However, after the October 7 attack on Israel, she found herself at odds with the Democratic leadership.

Cassel shared how she was forced to debate a Democratic colleague on a bill supporting Israel, just days after the attack, when the country was still grappling with hostages being held by Hamas.

“It’s a moment that will live with me forever. You know, I joined the Democratic Party with the understanding that this was a big tent that allowed diverse ideas and beliefs,” Cassel explained.

“Shortly after October 7, we were on the floor of the House of Representatives arguing and debating a bill in support of Israel. And I was forced to debate a Democratic colleague who filed a resolution while we still have hostages there, but this was shortly after October 7.”

Cassel’s frustration grew when she was told to stay silent by some members of her party during the debate.

Instead of rallying around the bill that supported Israel, Cassel felt isolated and dismissed.

“Rather than my colleagues rallying around this issue, which is extremely important not only to myself, my community, America and democracy as a whole and ensuring that the Jewish people have a state, I was told that I should have sat down and stayed quiet,” Cassel told The Ingraham Angle host Kayleigh McEnany.

This moment of disconnection from her party, according to Cassel, marked the point at which she knew she could no longer remain a Democrat. “That for me was a moment of absolute disconnect from my party, where this was an opportunity I felt for all of us to band together on an issue that was non-negotiable for me. But instead I was told I should sit down,” she said.

On social media, Cassel shared her decision to switch from the Democratic Party to the GOP, emphasizing that it was not a choice she made lightly. “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,” she wrote.

See statement below. pic.twitter.com/YJbqjpt8Kh

— Rep. Hillary Cassel (@RepCassel) December 27, 2024

Cassel’s decision follows a similar move earlier this month by Florida Rep. Susan Valdes, who also left the Democratic Party.

Valdes cited feelings of neglect and frustration with her party’s leadership. “I will not waste my final two years in the Florida Legislature being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community,” Valdes said in a statement announcing her departure from the Democratic Party.

Florida Democrat Rep. Susan Valdes switches to Republican Party

“I will not waste my final two years in the Florida Legislature being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community…I’m tired of being the party of protesting when I got… pic.twitter.com/zDS1FZSbKM

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 9, 2024

Cassel’s switch to the Republican Party underscores a broader trend of Democratic politicians, especially in Florida, reassessing their loyalty to the party in light of growing tensions and ideological divides.

With her new alignment, Cassel joins a growing number of conservative voices speaking out on issues like Israel’s security and the state of the Democratic Party.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.