state legislature – Dr. Rich Swier

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

AUTHOR

Henry Rodgers

Chief national correspondent.

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The Democrat-controlled California State Assembly cut off the microphone of state assembly member James Gallagher during debate over a bill threatening the custody of parents who don’t “affirm” their kids.

The California legislature passed Friday AB 957, a bill requiring a judge to consider whether or not a parent “affirms” their child’s “gender identity” in a custody dispute. Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener and Democratic Assembly Member Lori Wilson introduced the bill in February.

“I wanna get this out there. It’s important that we know what the science and the information is saying. Even a recent follow up study in 2021 found that out of 139 participants, only 17 persisted in their gender identity, they were looking at young boys. One-hundred-twenty-two, 87%, went back to their biological sex. You can’t have a —”

Unbelievable! The California Democrat controlled legislature cut off a Republican lawmaker’s microphone when he presented real data about teens desisting.

He was speaking in opposition to #AB957, a bill which would force parents affirm their child’s perceived gender identity or… pic.twitter.com/G8c451De9e

— Jonathan Zachreson (@JZachreson) September 9, 2023

Gallagher was told his microphone was cut off due to a “time limit on speeches.”

“This bill, for purposes of this provision, would include a parent’s affirmation of the child’s gender identity or gender expression as part of the health, safety, and welfare of the child,” AB 957 reads.

Assembly member Joe Patterson pointed out during debate that the legislation unnecessarily complicated family situations.

“In California judges are already using their discretion. They already can use it, I have seen it. They already can do this right now. And so I am concerned that this is the state telling the courts to give special emphasis on this because they can already do ti. So when I look at that and I look at what I went through growing up — a very complicated family situation — I believe this is going to add more complication.”

AUTHOR

SARAH WEAVER

Social issues reporter.

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Henry Rodgers

SARAH WEAVER