President-elect Donald Trump thanked and thanked Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel after the Sunshine State lawmaker announced her decision to abandon her Democratic Party affiliation and join the GOP.
“Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican,” Cassel said in a statement. “I will join the Republican Congress of the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in their vision for a better, more prosperous Florida.”
In a statement hailing the move, Trump urged many Democrats to act weak.
DESANTIS ACCEPTS FLORIDA STATE GOVERNOR TO REPUBLICAN PARTY WHEN LEAVING DEMOCRATS
Left: Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump smiles during a Hispanic roundtable at the Beauty Society on Oct. 12, 2024 North Las Vegas, Nevada; Right: Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel (Left: Ethan Miller/Getty Images; Right: flhouse.gov)
“Congratulations to Hillary Cassel for becoming the second State Representative from the Great State of Florida to change her Party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once again expanding the GOP Supermajority in the State House! other Disillusioned Democrats to switch Parties. , and join us in this wonderful project to Save our Country and, Make America Great Again – BETTER THAN BEFORE HILLARY!” Trump exclaimed in a Public Truth post.
Cassel's announcement came after a mate State of Florida Rep. Susan Valdés announced earlier this month that she was changing her registration from Democrat to Republican.
While seeking office in 2022, Cassel described himself as a “proud Democrat,” a “champion of choice,” and a “loyal ally of the LGBTQ+ community.”
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Florida state representative Susan Valdes (flhouse.gov)
He also pledged to “stand up for #ClimateChange opponents” and “stand with the NRA and fight for a ban on military guns and the high-powered guns that kill them the most.”
But then Cassel says Democratic Party it does not reflect his values.
“As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged by their character and actions and not by their names,” she said in her statement. “As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the failure of the Democratic Party to unwaveringly support Israel and its willingness to tolerate continued extremist rhetoric that justifies or condones the actions of terrorism. I am constantly troubled by the current inability of the Democratic Party to connect with everyday Floridians. I can no longer stay in a party that does not represent my values.
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Florida state representative Hillary Cassel (flhouse.gov)
“I know I won't always agree on every point with every Republican, but I know I will always have common sense, cooperation and respect. The House Republican Conference strengthens members to find common sense solutions to real issues facing all Floridians. They embrace diversity of thought and collaboration, which is the foundation of effective government,” said Cassel.