Florida Rep. Susan Valdes Joins GOP, Boosting Republican Supermajority in Hispanic-Majority District

Dec 9, 2024, 08:42 PM

Florida State Representative Susan Valdes, a West Tampa legislator, has switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Representing a Hispanic-majority district in Hillsborough County, which previously voted for Donald Trump, Valdes cited dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party's neglect of her community's needs as a key reason for her decision. She also expressed alignment with Republican Speaker Daniel Perez's vision for the upcoming legislative session. The switch contributes to the Republican Party's largest-ever supermajority in the Florida House of Representatives, now holding an 87-33 majority. The Florida Senate also maintains a 28-12 Republican majority. Valdes stated that she intends to use her final two years in the legislature to better serve her constituents under the Republican banner.