FLIPPING TO RED: Two elected Democrats announce switch to Republican Party

6

For ads-free news, click here.

Over the course of 24 hours, two elected Democrat officials have announced they are done with the Democratic Party, and have switched to Republican – one in Florida and one in Texas.

Monday afternoon, Florida State Rep Susan Valdes posted an announcement on social media that she was moving to the right side.  She wrote:

“I have spent my adult life fighting to give a voice to the people of my West Tampa home. I have done so as a Democrat partly out of habit – I come from a family of Democrats – and partly because I believed the Democrats were the party most concerned with the working families I represent.

“In the House, I have long known that no one has a monopoly on good ideas. I will not waste my final two years in the Florida legislature being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community.

“Effective immediately, I will change my registration from a Democrat to Republican and will join the Republican Conference in the Florida House of Representatives. Our Speaker, Rep. Daniel Perez, has laid out a vision for the House that focuses on empower House members to work on real problems facing our communities. That’s what I want to be a part of. I want to roll up my sleeves and work. I want to be a 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. 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.”

Next, meet Judge Tano Tijerina of Laredo, Texas, who announced Tuesday morning that he is also finished with the Democrats.

Tijerina was interviewed on Fox & Friends Tuesday morning. He shared a video of the interview, along with the following statement:

“After much thought, prayer, and conversations with my family and friends, I have made the decision to switch to the Republican party.

“Our shared values here in South Texas — hard work, faith, family, and freedom — are no longer pillars in the Democrat party and I want to be part of a party that stands and protects those principles. Republicans made major gains in South Texas, including Donald Trump winning my county — not because our values have changed, but because the Radical Democrat Party’s values did.

“I will continue to fight for what matters most in our community by supporting our oil and gas industry, securing our border, and keeping faith and family at the center of everything we do. I am committed to continuing to build a bright future for all South Texans.”

The Texas Democrats threw a tantrum over Tijerina’s exodus, calling it a “betrayal” in a scathing statement.

The Texas Republican Party extended a warm welcome to Tijerina. Texas GOP Chairman Abraham George wrote, “On behalf of the Republican Party of Texas, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to our party. Your decision to join the Republican Party is a reflection of your dedication to principled governance and your commitment to serving the people of Webb County with integrity and steadfast resolve.”

Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
Dennis Michael Lynch personal: www.X.com/TrustDML
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp

The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS SECTION