House Speaker Daniel Perez welcomes Rep. Hillary Cassel to the Republican Party

MIAMI - House Speaker Daniel "Danny Perez, R-Miami, announced on Friday that Rep. Hillary Cassel, R-Dania Beach, has switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican and will join the GOP for the upcoming term.

"I am proud to share that @RepCassel has joined our House Republican Conference. "Welcome to the team!" Perez said.

Cassel represents House District 111 which covers part of Broward County. In November's HD 111 general election, Cassel, then a Democrat, won without appearing on the ballot after the election was canceled.

She also defeated Republican candidate Guy Silla in HD 111 by over seven points in 2022.

Notably, the area was redistricted starting on Nov. 8, 2022, to include Dania Beach and Davie and the coastlines of Hollywood and Hallandale Beach. It previously covered areas of West Hollywood and Miramar.

"Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. This decision was not made lightly but comes from a deep sense of responsibility to my constituents and my commitment to the values that guide my service," Cassel said.

As part of her reasoning, Cassel noted the Democratic Party's failure to address support for the Jewish state. Israel has been at war with Hamas since the terrorist group attacked the country on Oct. 7, 2023.

"As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party's failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism," Cassel continued. "I'm constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesn't represent my values."

Cassel is the second Democrat to join the GOP this month. Earlier, Perez welcomed Rep. Susan Valdes, R-Tampa, to the Republican Party after she switched her party affiliation in House District 64.

With Cassel on board, Republicans will have 87 members in their historic supermajority. Meanwhile, the Democrats now have 33 representatives in the 120-member chamber.

"I ran for office to make my community and this state better. I want my constituents to know my resolve to deliver on these promises has never been stronger," Cassel added.