State Representatives Hillary Cassel (R) and Susan Valdes (R) struck a blow to the Florida Democratic Party after announcing that they would be switching parties. The GOP embraced the two with open arms, citing the switch to growing disapproval of liberal policies. However, the victory march does raise questions about political realignment and the future of politicians who switch parties after elections.
Democrats have shared their disappointment at the two switching sides, and Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried (D) recently commented that Democrats needed to show leadership during this time as opposed to becoming defectors.
State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) took to social media this week to question both lawmakers, asking them to clarify their positions.
Serious questions for the Dem Party switchers @CasselHillary + @SusanLValdesFL.
Do you suddenly OPPOSE min wages? Medicaid expansion? Union/worker rights? Gun safety? Abortion rights? LGBTQ equality?
You know, the policies and values you PROMISED voters you’d work to advance? pic.twitter.com/TO9AsXZpa2
— Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (@CarlosGSmith) January 2, 2025
“Do you suddenly OPPOSE min wages? Medicaid expansion? Union/worker rights? Gun safety? Abortion rights? LGBTQ equality?” the freshman state senator asked. “You know, the policies and values you PROMISED voters you’d work to advance?”
State Senator Smith further questioned, “do you suddenly SUPPORT Trump? Project 2025? Huge giveaways to insurance companies? Billionaire tax breaks? Dismantling social safety nets? Mass deportations? Abortion bans? Censorship? Loosening gun laws? Homophobia/transphobia? Authoritarianism?”
“Voters deserve answers NOW,” he concluded.
Do you suddenly SUPPORT Trump? Project 2025? Huge giveaways to insurance companies? Billionaire tax breaks? Dismantling social safety nets? Mass deportations? Abortion bans? Censorship? Loosening gun laws? Homophobia/transphobia? Authoritarianism?
Voters deserve answers NOW.
— Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (@CarlosGSmith) January 2, 2025
In her statement announcing her departure from the Democratic Party, state Rep. Cassel shared his dismay with the party, noting that she was leaving for reasons such as “the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices hat justify or condone acts of violence.”
See statement below. pic.twitter.com/YJbqjpt8Kh
— Rep. Hillary Cassel (@RepCassel) December 27, 2024
However, despite noting that she “won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican,” the state Rep. does not clarify what her political realignment entails in becoming a member of the GOP.
Democrats like Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman (D) have received similar criticism for campaigning as progressives and taking a more moderate approach after being elected to office. Given that state Rep. Cassel switched her party affiliation after being elected and that state Rep. Valdes switch after losing her bid for Hillsborough County Democratic Party chair, voters have expressed disappointment in both dumping the Democratic Party, sharing that they're no longer the candidates they voted for.
