GOP Supermajority Expands As Second Dem Switches Parties In Florida [WATCH]

Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel, who represents the state’s 101st House District, announced on Friday that she is leaving the Democratic Party and joining the Republican Party.

Cassel cited the Democratic Party’s “failure to unequivocally support Israel” and its inability to connect with everyday Floridians as key reasons for her decision.

Cassel made the announcement in a Twitter post, stating that the decision was made after careful consideration.

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She is now the second Florida Democrat to switch party affiliation this year, joining Tampa’s Rep. Susan Valdés in moving to the GOP.

#BREAKING: A second Florida Democratic state representative – Hillary Cassel – just switched her party to REPUBLICAN.

Post-2024 election, FL Republicans have gained 2 seats in the House.

And they already had a supermajority before.

WOW! pic.twitter.com/rrQrTXGrV3

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 27, 2024

In her statement, Cassel emphasized her commitment to her constituents and the values that guide her service.

“Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. This 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. I will be joining the Republican Conference of the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in their vision for a better, more prosperous Florida,” she wrote.

She also highlighted her concerns about the Democratic Party’s stance on key issues.

“As a proud Jewish woman,” Cassel added, “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 current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values.”

See statement below. pic.twitter.com/YJbqjpt8Kh

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

Cassel hinted at her political shift earlier in December by sharing an infographic on Twitter that showed the Republican Party’s overwhelming majorities in Florida’s upcoming legislative session.

“Understanding the makeup of our State Legislature is key to navigating the upcoming session and addressing the needs of Floridians,” she tweeted at the time.

Here’s a look at the 2025 Florida House & Senate ratios.
Understanding the makeup of our State Legislature is key to navigating the upcoming session and addressing the needs of Floridians.
Let’s work together to ensure every voice is heard. #FloridaPolitics #FloridaLegislature pic.twitter.com/5vRHwzde7U

— Rep. Hillary Cassel (@RepCassel) December 3, 2024

Her official announcement drew support from Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez, who wrote on Twitter, “I am proud to share that @RepCassel has joined our House Republican Conference. Welcome to the team!”

I am proud to share that @RepCassel has joined our House Republican Conference. Welcome to the team! https://t.co/UiFVrcny4L pic.twitter.com/6UdFrDj5eW

— Daniel Perez (@Daniel_PerezFL) December 27, 2024

Cassel represents House District 101, which includes Dania Beach and parts of Broward County.

She was elected in 2022, defeating Republican candidate Guy Silla with 53% of the vote.

Her current term runs through November 2026.

Recent election data shows a significant political shift in the district.

While Joe Biden carried the district by 14 points in 2020, it swung 16 points toward the GOP in 2024, with Donald Trump winning the district by two points.

Cassel’s decision to join the Republican Party underscores the changing political landscape in Florida, where Republicans have gained significant ground in recent years.

With her switch, Cassel joins a growing trend of Democrats shifting their allegiance as the GOP continues to expand its influence in the state legislature.

The announcement also highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party over key issues like support for Israel and the rise of progressive voices within the party.

As Cassel begins her tenure as a Republican, her decision is likely to resonate with other moderates in districts experiencing similar political shifts.

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