TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida House Speaker Danny Perez has successfully bolstered the Republican supermajority in the Florida House of Representatives without holding an election. On Monday, Tampa State Representative Susan Valdes announced she was switching her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, boosting the GOP’s control to 86-34, marking the largest Republican majority in the Florida House’s history.

Democrat & Hispanic Florida State Lawmaker Susan Valdes Flips to GOP: House Speaker Perez Secures Historic Majority

“Protest Party” No More: Rep. Valdes Joins Republicans, Cites Frustration with Democrats

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Valdes said she made the decision to better serve her constituents.

“In the House, I have long known that no one has a monopoly on good ideas,” Valdes stated. “I will not waste my final two years in the Florida Legislature being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community.”

Valdes, a former Hillsborough County School Board member, was first elected as a Democrat in 2018. She has been a strong critic of the GOP’s stance on immigration policies but now says she is focused on “progress, not protest.”

See statement below… pic.twitter.com/JUVhsziSL7

— Susan L. Valdés (@SusanLValdesFL) December 9, 2024

Her decision comes just weeks after defeating Republican challenger Maura Cruz Lanz by 5% in her re-election bid. The timing has drawn criticism from House Democratic leaders and party supporters.

Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes and Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, discuss proposed healthcare legislation on the House floor. March 20, 2019. by Robert Hunter

Democratic Backlash: ‘Elevated Her Aspirations Over Her District’s Needs’

The move has sparked strong criticism from House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, who represents a neighboring district in Tampa. Driskell called Valdes’ switch “disappointing” and accused her of prioritizing her political future over her constituents.

“Rep. Valdes was elected by her constituents as a Democrat to fight for our shared values here in Tallahassee,” Driskell said. “It is sad that she has elevated her own aspirations above the needs of her district.”

Republican Leaders Applaud Valdes’ Shift

Republicans were quick to welcome Valdes with open arms. Speaker Perez praised her as “a fierce advocate for her community and a person of uncommon common sense.” Gov. Ron DeSantis also took to X to welcome her to the Republican Party, saying, “Welcome to the GOP, Rep. Valdes.”

Valdes says her decision to join the Republican caucus is about achieving results.

“I’m tired of being the party of protesting when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress,” Valdes said. “I know that I won’t agree with my fellow Republican House members on every issue, but I know that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect.”

Florida State Representative Susan Valdes congratulated Puerto Rican State Representative Daisy Morales on the passage of her first bipartisan bill on the House floor in 2020. Source Florida House.

Hispanic Lawmakers Vanishing from House Democratic Caucus: Impact of Valdes’ Party Switch

Hispanic Lawmakers Face Decline in Florida House Democratic Caucus

The defeat of Puerto Rican State Representative Daisy Morales in the 2022 election, driven by opposition from within her own Democratic Party due to her bipartisan collaboration with Republicans to better serve her constituents, highlights a troubling trend for Florida Democrats.

The recent departure of another Hispanic lawmaker, Representative Susan Valdes, has intensified concerns about the shrinking presence of Hispanic voices within the House Democratic Caucus. As Republicans continue to strengthen their appeal among Hispanic voters, the Democratic Party is seeing a noticeable decline in Hispanic representation.

Valdes’ departure reflects a broader shift in Florida’s political landscape, where Republican gains among Hispanic constituencies have left Democrats scrambling to maintain their influence in the state. The loss of key Hispanic lawmakers poses significant challenges for the party’s ability to connect with a vital and growing voter demographic.

Takeaways: Key Lessons from Valdes’ Party Switch

1. Historic Republican Supermajority: With an 86-34 majority, Republicans now have one of the largest legislative advantages in Florida’s modern political history.
2. Shift in Hispanic Representation: Valdes’ move underscores the broader struggle for Democrats to retain Hispanic representation and relevance in Florida.
3. Valdes’ Pragmatic Approach: Her “protest vs. progress” statement signals that some lawmakers are growing weary of opposition politics and want a seat at the governing table.
4. Potential Recruitment of More Lawmakers: Republican insiders have hinted at possible recruitment of other Hispanic Democratic lawmakers to join the GOP, following Valdes’ lead.
5. Impact on 2024 Legislative Session: The House will begin committee assignments in January, and Valdes’ role in GOP priorities could reshape the legislative agenda.

What’s Next? Valdes & Perez Could Recruit More Hispanic Lawmakers

Political insiders say Valdes’ switch may not be the last. Republican leaders, with Speaker Perez at the helm, could use her as a bridge to recruit other Hispanic lawmakers. If this effort succeeds, Democrats could see their influence further eroded in a state that has been trending red in recent election cycles.

The Florida House’s interim committee meetings begin in January, with the legislative session kicking off on March 4, 2025. All eyes will be on Valdes and any potential shifts in legislative priorities as a result of her party switch.