California senator switches to Republican

California State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil has announced her switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, citing a disconnection with the values of her former party and frustrations with its leadership. Elected in 2022, Alvarado-Gil criticized the Democratic supermajority for pushing policies that she believes are harming the middle class and children in California. She specifically pointed to the handling of Proposition 47 reforms as a major factor in her decision, calling recent tactics by Democrats a 'last straw.' While her defection does not change the overall balance of power in the legislature, it has garnered support from Republicans who praise her courage. Alvarado-Gil's move has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, who argue that she has betrayed the trust of her constituents. The senator, known for her tough-on-crime stance, stated that her decision was made in the interest of her constituents rather than personal political gain.