Florida State Rep. Hillary Cassel announced Friday that she is switching her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.
Cassel, who represents Florida’s 101st House district, announced the switch in a Twitter post. She cited concerns over the Democratic Party’s “failure to unequivocally support Israel” and what she calls its disconnect from everyday Floridians. Cassel is now the second Florida Democrat to join the GOP, along with Rep. Susan Valdés from Tampa.
“Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. This 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. I will be joining the Republican Conference of the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in their vision for a better, more prosperous Florida,” Cassel wrote in a statement.
See statement below. pic.twitter.com/YJbqjpt8Kh
— Rep. Hillary Cassel (@RepCassel) December 27, 2024
“As a proud Jewish woman,” she continued.
“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. I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values.”
Cassel seemed to signal the switch earlier in December, tweeting an infographic depicting the overwhelming Republican majorities in Florida’s upcoming legislative session.
“Understanding the makeup of our State Legislature is key to navigating the upcoming session and addressing the needs of Floridians,” she wrote.
Here’s a look at the 2025 Florida House & Senate ratios.
Understanding the makeup of our State Legislature is key to navigating the upcoming session and addressing the needs of Floridians.
Let’s work together to ensure every voice is heard. #FloridaPolitics #FloridaLegislature pic.twitter.com/5vRHwzde7U— Rep. Hillary Cassel (@RepCassel) December 3, 2024
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez endorsed the move, writing, “I am proud to share that @RepCassel has joined our House Republican Conference. Welcome to the team!”
I am proud to share that @RepCassel has joined our House Republican Conference. Welcome to the team! https://t.co/UiFVrcny4L pic.twitter.com/6UdFrDj5eW
— Daniel Perez (@Daniel_PerezFL) December 27, 2024
House District 101 includes Dania Beach and portions of Broward County. Cassel won the seat in 2022 with 53% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Guy Silla, who won 46% of the vote. Her current term expires in November 2026. The 101st District also swung 16 points towards the GOP, shifting from Joe Biden +14 in 2020 to Donald Trump +2 in 2024, according to a tweet from @Uncrewed, who writes about statewide elections on Substack.
The Florida Republicans had another really good year this year, but they did end up leaving a Trump district uncontested in the State House.
Democrat Hillary Cassel in #HD101 (Davie/southeastern Broward) won uncontested, even though her district shifted from Biden+14 to Trump+2!
— Uncrewed (@Uncrewed) December 23, 2024
