Florida Representative Hillary Cassel Joins GOP

Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel has switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, citing a disconnect with the Democratic Party's values, particularly regarding its stance on Israel. Her decision, following Tampa Rep. Susan Valdés' similar switch earlier this month, strengthens the Republican supermajority in the Florida House, which now stands at an 87-33 margin. Cassel criticized the Democratic Party for its failure to support Israel and its perceived detachment from the concerns of everyday Floridians. The Florida Democratic Party expressed disappointment, urging self-reflection among its members in light of these departures. Some Democrats have reacted angrily, calling for investigations into Cassel's actions, although such efforts face legal challenges. This trend reflects a broader shift in Florida's political landscape, indicating the Democrats' declining influence in a state that has increasingly leaned Republican.