State Representative Susan Valdes of Tampa announced Monday that she has switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, further increasing the GOP’s dominance in the Florida House.
Her move expands the Republican majority to 86-34, marking the largest GOP majority in the House, according to a memo from House Speaker Danny Perez, R-Miami.
“In the House, I have long known that no one has a monopoly on good ideas,” Valdes wrote in a statement posted on X. “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.”
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“I’m tired of being the party of protesting when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress,” Valdes wrote in her statement. “I know that I won’t agree with my fellow Republican House members on every issue, but in know that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect.”
The party switch underscores the growing influence of Republicans in Florida, where the GOP has gained significant ground in recent elections, especially in districts with diverse demographics.
House Speaker Danny Perez welcomed Valdes to the Republican Party, praising her decision as a reflection of her commitment to representing her constituents effectively.
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Valdes’s departure from the Democratic Party is the latest setback for Florida Democrats, who have struggled to maintain their influence in a state that has leaned increasingly Republican in recent years. Her decision is expected to bolster the GOP’s ability to advance its legislative agenda in the upcoming sessions.
Last month, Valdes narrowly defeated Republican Maura Cruz Lanz with a 5% margin. Just last week, she campaigned for the position of Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee Chair but was defeated by Vanessa Lester.
This development adds to the shifting political dynamics in Florida, where party affiliations and voter loyalties continue to evolve.
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