representative Hillary Cassel of Boynton Beach is leaving the Democratic Party and will join the House Republicans for the next term.
“Today I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democratic to Republican,” Cassel wrote in a prepared statement.
“This decision was not taken lightly, but stems from a deep sense of responsibility to my constituents and my commitment to the values that guide my service. I will join the Florida House Republican Conference because I believe in their vision of a better, more prosperous Florida.
Cassel posted earlier this month on State is essential to navigating the upcoming session and meeting the needs of Floridians. »
This seemed to foreshadow Cassel’s decision. But she also expressed concerns about the Democratic Party’s changing direction in recent years.
“As a mother, I want to help build a world in which our children are judged by their character and actions and not by their labels,” Cassel continued.
“As a proud Jew, I am increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate progressive extremist voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism. I am constantly troubled by the inability of today’s Democratic Party to empathize with ordinary Floridians. I can no longer stay in a party that does not represent my values.”
Cassel is the second Democrat to make this decision, after Representative Susan Valdés of Tampa.
“Our President, Rep. Daniel Pérezpresented a vision for the House that aims to empower House members to work on real issues facing our communities,” Valdés wrote earlier this month to explain his own decision. “That’s what I want to be a part of.” I want to roll up my sleeves and work. I want to be a part of solving West Tampa’s problems.
Indeed, both of these changes constitute major victories for President Perez, who continues to increase the Republican Party’s majority even after the November elections. Perez confirmed the decision in a statement to members Friday obtained by Florida Politics.
“Today, Representative Hillary Cassel left the Democratic Party and will join our House Republican Conference. She will be a valuable asset as we work together to improve the lives of all Floridians. I encourage you to contact Rep. Cassel and welcome her to our team, which will now increase our Republican majority to a historic 87 members (73% of the House),” Perez wrote.
“I hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation and get some rest. We have a lot of work to do together in 2025.”
Cassel concluded his own remarks ahead of the next term
“I know that I will not always agree on every detail with every Republican, but I know that I will always have my opinion, my collaboration and my respect. The House Republican Conference empowers its members to find common-sense solutions to real problems facing all Floridians. They are open to different ideas and collaboration, which are the cornerstones of effective government. These are my values,” Cassel said.
“I ran for office to improve my community and this state. I want my constituents to know that my resolve to keep these promises has never been stronger. I know the best way to do this is to join Speaker Perez and the Republican Conference in the Florida House of Representatives.
Chairman of the Florida Democratic Party Nikki Fried criticized Cassel, the second state lawmaker to switch parties since Election Day.
“This is not the time to step back and walk away, this is the time for leadership and introspection,” Fried said in a statement. “Floridians trusted Rep. Hillary Cassel to fight for them, but unfortunately today they lost their representation in the Florida House. Rep. Cassel’s decision to switch parties is deeply disappointing, but we cannot afford to turn our backs on Floridians.
“Florida Democrats face an uphill battle, but that doesn’t mean we’re giving up. There are nearly 4.5 million Democrats in our state and millions more who believe in our values. They are counting on us to continue fighting to create a truly free and affordable state for all – and that is exactly what we will do.”
Cassel was re-elected in District 101 this year unopposed.
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