In a move that further cements the Republican stronghold in the Florida House, State Rep. Hillary Cassel has switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, as announced yesterday. This political realignment follows the recent shift by Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes earlier this month and amplifies the GOP supermajority within the state legislature.
Cassel, a Dania Beach attorney, expressed her alignment with the House Republicans’ goals on social media, citing their "vision for a better, more prosperous Florida." Critically, she conveyed disappointment in the Democratic Party's stance on 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 elaborated, as reported by CBS Miami. She continued, "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."
Her declaration has stirred a mix of reactions among political peers. House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, welcomed Cassel to the Republican ranks on social media, while the Republican Party of Florida's Chairman Evan Power hailed her as "a valuable addition to our team," according to a statement on social media documented by NBC Miami. In contrast, her decision was met with criticism by Democrat colleagues. Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, characterized Cassel's party switch as "a betrayal of the voters who entrusted her to represent their values as a Democrat."
Additional statements have issued forth from various Democratic organizations, questioning Cassel's motives and commitments. Kristen Browde, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus articulated a strong rebuke, "One has to wonder whether Rep. Hillary Cassel is abandoning her principles as well as her party and the voters who elected her," lamenting her collaboration with those who oppose equality, as Browde's response was captured by NBC Miami.
The GOP counting Cassel among its members now boasts an 87-member supermajority in the 120-seat House, further dimming Democratic hopes of gaining legislative influence that were already stunted in the November elections. Cassel, who was reelected without opposition in Broward County's House District 101, has previously demonstrated leadership on property-insurance matters within the Democratic caucus.
