State Rep. Hillary Cassel’s (R) departure from the Democratic Party has angered the totality of her former party members. Republicans have embraced the Florida lawmaker, but Democrats are now decrying her time in office. The latest remarks come from Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), who’s accusing state Rep. Cassel of “deceiving” Floridians.
The state Rep. announced that she was leaving the Democratic Party in late December, citing “a deep sense of responsibility to my constituents and my commitment to the values that guide my service.”
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried (D) commented on the departure, saying that Democrats needed to show “leadership and self-reflection” as they recover from losses in the 2024 election.
However, Rep. Wasserman Schultz was more forthcoming in her response, commenting that “Cassel deceived voters by faking a commitment to fight the GOP’s radical agenda” on social media. “Her interest is power, not people,” she added.
Cassel deceived voters by faking a commitment to fight the GOP's radical agenda. Her interest is power, not people.
This betrayal of constituents, aligning with extremists and abandoning core principles shows her true character.https://t.co/cgZVXYH9fV
— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) December 31, 2024
Accusing state Rep. Cassel of betraying her constituents, Rep. Wasserman Schultz also claimed that state Rep. Cassel “aligning with extremists and abandoning core principles shows her true character.”
The state Rep. has not commented on the accusations directed at her, but she’s received support from prominent Republicans in the state.
President-elect Donald Trump (R) issued a statement after she made her announcement wherein he encouraged “Disillusioned Democrats” to jump ship and join the Republican Party.
“I would further like to invite other Disillusioned Democrats to switch Parties, and join us on this noble quest to Save our Country and, Make America Great – GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE,” the president-elect wrote on Truth social.
State Rep. Cassel’s departure is the latest in a string of Democrats who have politically differed with the Democratic Party, resulting in their departure.
In Florida, the 2024 election proved that the state was as red as it could be after the GOP registered 1 million more voters.
