Summary

Florida state Rep. Susan Valdes, a lifelong Democrat, abruptly switched to the Republican Party, citing frustration with being ignored in the Democratic caucus.

Valdes, who represents District 64 near Tampa, said she wants to focus on solving problems for her community rather than protesting.

Her defection bolsters the Florida GOP’s historic 86-34 House majority, drawing criticism from Democrats who called her move a betrayal of her constituents.

Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, welcomed Valdes, praising her as a strong community advocate and valuable addition to their party.

  • moody@lemmings.world
    28·
    8 days ago

    The party makes no difference, honestly. Not in a “both sides are the same” way, but in the sense that if she’s willing to change party after getting elected, she was already going to be voting the other way regardless.

    She essentially lied about her beliefs to get elected, and then showed her real face immediately afterward. I’m honestly surprised it hasn’t happened more often. Republicans have showed many times they’re fine with breaking all the pre-established expectations just to fuck over the people.

    • frog_brawler@lemmy.world
      32·
      8 days ago

      I get where your perspective is coming from but I can assure you that the state legislature in FL 100% ignores anything presented by someone of the Democratic Party. If you want to make an actual impact, you need to have an R next to your name.

      Best bet for now is to run as a Republican, and then just push socialist stuff hard till you get primaried; and after that run anti-deep state ads as an independent to get air time and try to raise money. You’ll probably still lose for a while after the Republican party primaries you, but eventually if you get enough crazy asshole support you can reshape the party…

      Ah fuck, we already did this one…