The Left is bleeding support. Even their own members are jumping ship.
And now this Democrat dropped jaws by suddenly switching parties.
House Speaker Daniel “Danny” Perez, R-Miami, celebrated the newest addition to the Republican supermajority on Monday as Rep. Susan Valdes, R-Tampa, announced her abrupt switch from the Democratic Party to the GOP.
“I’m thrilled to welcome @SusanLValdesFL to the House Republican supermajority,” Perez shared on social media, signaling a significant political shakeup in Florida’s state legislature.
The timing of Valdes’ defection has raised eyebrows, as she was just reelected last month as a Democrat in House District 64, which spans part of Hillsborough County. In that race, Valdes defeated Republican challenger Maura Cruz Lanz by five points.
She also bested Cruz Lanz as a Democrat in 2022 by seven points. However, with term limits preventing her from seeking reelection in her current seat, Valdes’ move appears to be a pivot for her political future.
Valdes’ decision follows her failed bid to lead the Hillsborough County Democratic Party, where she lost to progressive candidate Vanessa Lester.
This loss may have marked a turning point for Valdes, who described her reasons for the party switch in a statement.
“Effective immediately, I will change my registration from a Democrat to Republican and will join the Republican Conference in the Florida House of Representatives,” Valdes announced.
“Our Speaker, Rep. Daniel Perez, has laid out a vision for the House that focuses on empowering House members to work on real problems facing our communities.”
Hillsborough County’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years.
hile Democrats still outnumber Republicans by approximately 3,300 registered voters, Republican President-elect Donald Trump won Hillsborough County by nearly 21,000 votes in the 2024 presidential election, a stark reversal from Joe Biden’s seven-point win in 2020.
Valdes framed her move as a step toward achieving tangible results for her constituents.
“I want to be part of solving problems for West Tampa. I’m tired of being the party of protesting when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress,” she explained.
“I know that I won’t agree with my fellow Republican House members on every issue, but I know that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect.”
Governor Ron DeSantis also welcomed Valdes to the Republican fold, echoing Perez’s enthusiasm. Valdes affirmed her commitment to her community, stating, “I love my community, and I will continue to fight every day to benefit the people of West Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the state of Florida. And in my heart, I know the best way to do that is to stand with Speaker Perez and join the Republican supermajority in the Florida House of Representatives.”
Valdes’ decision solidifies the GOP’s dominance in the Florida House, expanding their supermajority to 86 seats out of 120, while reducing the Democratic caucus to just 34 members.
Democratic House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, also representing Tampa, expressed disappointment over Valdes’ departure. “I was surprised and disappointed today at the announcement by Representative Susan Valdes that she would be leaving the Democratic Caucus to join the Republican Caucus,” Driskell said.
“Rep. Valdes was elected by her constituents as a Democrat to fight for our shared values here in Tallahassee and has consistently and publicly shared that she feels the Republican Party does not adequately represent her constituents or beliefs. It is sad she has elevated her own aspirations above the needs of her district.”
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