Another Florida Democratic state lawmaker joins the Republican party – Winnipeg Free Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s Democratic losses didn’t end on Election Day — a second state lawmaker announced he’s switching party affiliations and joining the Republican fold.

In a social media post, Rep. Hillary Cassel said Florida Democrats are out of touch with voters and have a better chance of achieving their priorities within the Republican Party.

“I am constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to ordinary Floridians. I can no longer stay in a party that does not represent my values,” Cassel posted on X.

Cassel, who is Jewish, also criticized the Democratic Party for its “failure to unequivocally support Israel.”

She declined an interview request from The Associated Press.

Cassel represents parts of Broward County, which is considered one of the safest Democratic areas in the state. Since no one ran against her in November, Cassel won re-election without appearing on the ballot.

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried called Cassel’s decision “deeply disappointing.”

“Now is not the time to back off and walk away, it’s the time for leadership and self-reflection,” Fried said.

Cassel’s announcement Friday follows one earlier this month by Rep. Susan Valdés of Tampa, who was re-elected as a Democrat in November but said she is “tired of being the party that protests.”

Florida Republicans have controlled the governor’s office and both branches of the Legislature since 1999. With Cassel’s replacement, Republicans will expand their supermajority to an 87-33 margin over Democrats in the House.

Once the nation’s first swing state, Florida has grown to the right in recent years. Susan MacManus, professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Florida, said the party switch is an indication of how little power Democrats hold under a decades-long Republican trifecta.

“Democrats have failed to ensure that they escape the supermajority. So what choice do they really have?” MacManus said.

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Kate Payne is a member of The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercover issues.