Broward County state representative Hillary Cassel has made a significant political move by leaving the Democratic Party and joining the GOP.
Her decision is grounded in concerns about the Democratic Party's position on Israel and personal value alignment, Florida Phoenix reported.
On a Friday, Cassel, who reprsents part of Broward County, explained her switch. Cassel, who is Jewish, criticized her former party for, in her view, not supporting Israel robustly enough and said she aligned better with Republican values. The change is notable as it follows a similar shift by another state lawmaker earlier this month.
Her transition to the Republican Party is part of a pattern: she is the second lawmaker to make such a switch in December 2024. Another state representative, Susan Valdés of Hillsborough County, made a similar move on December 9. Both decisions have affected the composition and influence of Florida House Democrats, who have now lost four seats as they approach the 2025 legislative session.
Representative Michael Gottlieb, who also serves Florida and leads the Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus, expressed regret about Cassel's choice. He disagreed with her criticisms of Democratic support for Israel, highlighting the ongoing support that he believes the party offers to Jewish causes. In contrast, Cassel feels her values align more closely with Republican ideals for the future of Florida.
“I’m not so sure that I agree with that. As leader of the Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus and a Democrat, I feel that we do strongly support Israel and Jewish causes and Jews throughout the diaspora,” said Michael Gottlieb, responding to Cassel’s critiques.
The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus has also responded critically to Cassel's decision. The group's members feel her actions represent a betrayal, highlighting campaign promises she made regarding equality that now seem at odds with her new party affiliation. Kristen Browde, a notable member, questioned Cassel's commitment to her principles and the voters who once supported her.
Despite the controversy surrounding her party switch, Cassel has continued her legislative efforts. She has filed a bill for the upcoming March session, focusing on windstorm coverage provided by Citizens Property Insurance. Her new alignment may influence how she perceives and approaches policies as she collaborates with more Republican colleagues.
The consequences of Cassel's departure resonate within the Florida Democratic Party's leadership too. Nikki Fried, a prominent figure in the party, expressed disappointment. Fried emphasized the need for Democrats to continue supporting the constituents they serve, despite setbacks such as Cassel's shift.
“Floridians put their trust and faith in Representative Hillary Cassel to fight for them but unfortunately today, they lost representation in the Florida House. Rep. Cassel’s decision to change parties is deeply disappointing but we cannot afford to turn our backs on Floridians,” said Nikki Fried.
Cassel’s transition underscores the shifting political landscape and its implications on party dynamics. As the GOP gains more members in the Florida House, the Democratic Party faces challenges in maintaining legislative influence and advocating for their policy priorities.
Additionally, House Speaker Danny Perez capitalized on the party switches by appointing Susan Valdés as vice chair of the budget committee shortly after she joined the Republican Party. This appointment highlights the GOP's strategy to leverage new members in influential positions.
With these changes, the Florida House enters 2025 with a different composition than in recent years. As lawmakers prepare for upcoming sessions, the influence of newly Republican members like Cassel and Valdés will likely shape legislative debates and outcomes.
The current developments have significant implications for the Florida Democratic Party as it strategizes to address these shifts. The leadership must grapple with retaining current members while responding to the explanatory shifts in political affiliations among representatives.
