Florida Lawmaker Switches Parties from Democratic to Republican After Reelection

December 10, 2024 TruthUSA

Rep. Susan Valdes, the representative of a district in the Tampa region, announced that her change in party affiliation will be effective immediately.

After being reelected last month as a Democrat in Florida House District 64, Rep. Susan Valdes revealed on Monday her decision to transition to the Republican Party.

While Valdes did not disclose a detailed rationale for her choice, she expressed her desire not to spend her final two years in the Florida Legislature feeling “overlooked” by her party.

The Cuban American politician will not be eligible to run for reelection once her fourth consecutive two-year term concludes in 2026.

“In the House, I have long recognized that no one holds a monopoly on great ideas,” she mentioned in a statement. “I’m weary of being part of the party of protests when I aimed to be involved with the party of progress.”

Valdes confirmed her intention to align with the Republican Conference in the Florida House of Representatives, stating that her party registration change will be implemented immediately.

Although she acknowledged that she might not see eye to eye with Republicans on all matters, she expressed confidence in being “welcomed and treated with respect” among the caucus.

Valdes also articulated her commitment to align with Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez’s agenda, which she believes emphasizes “empowering House members to tackle genuine issues affecting West Tampa.”

“I cherish my community and will strive daily to benefit the residents of West Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the state of Florida,” Valdes declared.

“And deep down, I believe that the best way to accomplish that is to partner with [House Speaker Daniel Perez] and become part of the Republican supermajority in the Florida House of Representatives.”

Her party-switching decision occurred merely a week following her defeat to Vanessa Lester in a contest for the chairwoman position of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee.

Rep. Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa), the House minority leader, expressed her astonishment and disappointment regarding Valdes’s decision, describing it as a “bait-and-switch” tactic after her substantial loss.

“It’s unfortunate that she has prioritized her aspirations above the necessities of her district,” Driskell remarked in a statement, adding that Valdes had “repeatedly and publicly conveyed her belief that the Republican Party does not adequately represent her constituents or convictions.”

With her transition, the Republican majority in the 120-seat House will rise to 86 members. Perez expressed his excitement in welcoming Valdes to the Republican supermajority in the House.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also welcomed Valdes’s decision and congratulated Perez on achieving “the largest Republican majority in the history of the Florida House.”

Prior to her election to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018, Valdes served on the Hillsborough County School Board for 14 years. She was reelected for the third time on November 5.

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