TALLAHASSEE — Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel, D-Dania Beach, announced Friday that she has switched her party affiliation to Republican, becoming the second House Democrat to do so since the November elections. The move further solidifies the Republican supermajority in the Florida House, now boasting 87 members in the 120-seat chamber.

Cassel, an attorney and mother, shared her decision on X, formerly Twitter, expressing alignment with the Republican Party’s “vision for a better, more prosperous Florida.” She also cited growing discomfort with the Democratic Party’s stance on key issues, including support for Israel.

“As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions, not their labels,” Cassel wrote. “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 also criticized the Democratic Party’s ability to connect with everyday Floridians and questioned whether it truly represents her values.

“I know I won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican,” she said, “but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect.”

Cassel’s announcement follows Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes’ December 9 switch from Democrat to Republican after losing a bid to lead the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee. The Florida House promptly updated Cassel’s party affiliation on its website, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, welcomed her with a post on X, saying, “Welcome to the team!”

Support and Backlash

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power praised Cassel’s decision, stating, “I’ve known her for a long time, and I know she will be a valuable addition to our team!”

However, Democratic leaders criticized the move, calling it a betrayal of voters and party principles.

Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, lambasted Cassel’s decision as “a betrayal of the voters who entrusted her to represent their values as a Democrat.”

Kristen Browde, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, expressed disappointment, stating, “One has to wonder whether Rep. Hillary Cassel is abandoning her principles as well as her party and the voters who elected her. Now she is joining the forces of those who have sought to destroy equality. This is inexplicable as well as disappointing.”

Impact on Florida Democrats

Cassel’s party switch deals a significant blow to Florida Democrats, who had hoped to cut into the GOP supermajority after the Nov. 5 elections. Instead, her decision has widened the Republican stronghold and further diminished Democratic influence in the state legislature.

Elected in 2022 to represent Broward County’s House District 101, Cassel had been a prominent figure for House Democrats, particularly on property insurance issues. Her unopposed reelection in November signaled confidence from her constituents, making her defection to the GOP even more impactful.

With the Republican supermajority growing, Florida Democrats face an uphill battle in maintaining relevance and addressing critical policy issues in the legislature.