President-elect Trump on Saturday congratulated Florida State Rep. Hillary Cassel (R) for switching parties to the GOP this month.
“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 wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Cassel is the second former state House Democrat to leave the party this month.
“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 said. “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,” she continued.
Her decision followed a party switch from state Rep. Susan Valdés (R), who left the Democratic party after losing a bid to become the chair of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party. Valdés said she did not want to spend what would be her final two years in the state Legislature “being ignored” in a caucus with leaders expecting her to ignore her community’s needs.
Republicans already hold supermajorities in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, though Valdés and Cassel’s moves add to the growing GOP dominance in a state that less than a decade ago was still considered competitive.
In the post, Trump called on “disillusioned” Democrats, suggesting they should join the GOP.
“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!” Trump wrote.
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President Trump took to Twitter today to congratulate Democratic state representative Jane Smith on her decision to switch parties and join the Republican Party. In his tweet, Trump praised Smith for her courage and commitment to conservative values, calling her a “true patriot” for putting country over party.
Smith, who has served in the state legislature for over a decade, announced her decision to switch parties earlier this week, citing a growing dissatisfaction with the direction of the Democratic Party. She expressed her belief that the Republican Party more closely aligns with her values and priorities, particularly on issues such as taxes, healthcare, and national security.
Trump’s public endorsement of Smith’s party switch is likely to boost her profile and standing within the Republican Party, as well as provide a morale boost for other Democratic lawmakers who may be considering a similar move. The president’s tweet is just the latest example of his efforts to court disaffected Democrats and build a broader coalition of support ahead of the upcoming election.
As Smith begins her new role as a Republican lawmaker, she will undoubtedly face scrutiny and criticism from her former colleagues in the Democratic Party. However, with the backing of President Trump and the Republican Party, she appears poised to make a smooth transition and continue serving her constituents with renewed focus and dedication.
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