Public statements or press releases by the switching representative

Rep. Hillary Cassel Becomes Second Florida Democrat to Join GOP, Accuses Party of Condoning 'Acts of Terrorism'

Dec 27, 2024, 07:17 PM

Floridian State Representative Hillary Cassel has switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, becoming the second House Democrat in Florida to swap parties since the 2024 elections. Cassel, who represents District 101 in Broward County, cited her concerns over the Democratic Party's failure to unequivocally support Israel, its tolerance for extreme progressive voices, and a growing disconnection from Floridians as reasons for her decision. She stated, "As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party's failure to support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices." Cassel also accused her former party of condoning 'acts of terrorism.' She emphasized that the decision was 'not made lightly.' With her defection, Republicans now hold 87 seats compared to the Democrats' 33 in the Florida Legislature, expanding their supermajority to 73% of the state House seats ahead of the 2025 session.