Florida State Rep. Hillary Cassel has become the second Florida House Democrat to jump to the GOP since the 2024 elections.
In a statement made on Friday, Dec. 27, the Rep. for Broward County’s House District 101 said she had switched to the GOP Supermajority, citing support for a “better, more prosperous Florida” among Republicans as well as skepticism over the Democratic Party’s 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.”
She admitted that she “won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican,” but noted she would “always have input, collaboration, and respect” within the GOP.
Cassel is Florida’s second House Rep. to defect to the GOP after Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes switched earlier in December.
Cassel’s switch attracted criticism from liberals on social media.
She did, however, receive some support from conservatives.
