'The decision was not made lightly': Second Florida lawmaker leaves Democratic Party, joins GOP

A second Florida Democratic lawmaker has switched parties this month, further swelling the legislative Republican supermajority.

Rep. Hillary Cassel of Dania Beach, first elected to the state House in 2022, made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

"The decision was not made lightly but comes from a deep sense of responsibility to my constituents and my commitment to the values that guide my service," Cassel said in a social media post, less than two months after winning a reelection in which she ran unopposed.

In a move that drew blowback from Democrats, Tampa state Rep. Susan Valdés shared the same news earlier this month. Valdés said she'd felt "ignored" by her party.

In her announcement, Cassel said the Democratic Party didn't represent her values.

"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," she said. "I'm constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians."

The Florida Democratic Party criticized the news in a Friday evening press release.

“Now is not the time to back down and walk away, it’s time for leadership and self-reflection,” said Nikki Fried, its chair, in the emailed statement. “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."

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Douglas Soule is based in Tallahassee, Fla. He can be reached at DSoule@gannett.com. On X: @DouglasSoule.