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President-elect Donald Trump has enthusiastically welcomed the latest Florida lawmaker to switch from the Democratic party to the Republican party. He congratulated her on becoming a Republican and extended an invitation to more “Disillusioned Democrats” to follow suit.
Representative Hillary Cassel, who represents Florida’s 101st district located just north of Miami, announced her party affiliation change in a social media post on Friday. She became the second Florida State House Democrat member to switch parties this month, following State Rep. Susan Valdés of the 64th district’s similar announcement on December 9.
Trump congratulates another democrat who switched parties. Congratulations, Hillary Cassel! We welcome you! pic.twitter.com/R6Dtck2XUe
— espresso (@Espressomastery) December 28, 2024
“Congratulations to Hillary Cassel for becoming the second State Representative from the Great State of Florida to switch her Party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once more expanding the GOP Supermajority in the State House,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Saturday.
He added, “I would further like to invite other Disillusioned Democrats to switch Parties, and join us on this noble quest to Save our Country and, Make America Great Again — GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. THANK YOU HILLARY!”
Here They Come, They Rode Hard with the Democrats and now that their party is dead they run to us never denouncing their old policies: Florida Democrat State Rep. Hillary Cassel Flips to Republican Party https://t.co/MrFOgbNoPz #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
— Jerone Davison for Congress #AZCD4 (@Jerone4Congress) December 28, 2024
Both Cassel and Valdés were successful in their November reelection efforts as Democrats but have since abandoned their former party for the GOP, much to the disappointment of Florida Democrat Party Chair Nikki Fried.
Fried criticized both women, stating, “It’s a shame that Rep. Valdés chose to mislead her constituents instead of fighting for them” and that “Rep. Cassel’s decision to change parties is deeply disappointing.”
