TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Democrats’ losses didn’t end on Election Day — a second state lawmaker has announced she’s switching her party affiliation and joining the Republican caucus.
In a post on social media, Rep. Hillary Cassel said Florida Democrats are out of touch with voters and that she has a better chance of achieving her priorities from within the Republican Party.
“I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values,” Cassel posted on X.
Cassel, who is Jewish, also criticized the Democratic Party for its “failure to unequivocally support Israel."
She declined an interview request from The Associated Press.
Cassel represents parts of Broward County, which is considered one of the state’s most reliably Democratic areas. Since no one ran against her in November, Cassel won reelection without appearing on the ballot.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried called Cassel's decision “deeply disappointing.”
"Now is not the time to back down and walk away, it’s time for leadership and self-reflection,” Fried said.
Cassel's announcement on Friday follows that of Rep. Susan Valdés of Tampa earlier this month, who was reelected as a Democrat in November but said she’s “tired of being the party of protesting.”
Florida Republicans have controlled the governor’s office and both branches of the Legislature since 1999. With Cassel’s switch, Republicans will expand their supermajority to an 87-33 margin over Democrats in the House.
Once the nation's premier swing state, Florida has surged to the right in recent years. Susan MacManus, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Florida, said switching parties is an indication of how little power Democrats wield under a decades-long Republican trifecta.
“Democrats weren’t able to secure breaking the supermajority. So what choice do they really have?” MacManus said.
Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
FILE - State Rep. Hillary Cassel, D-Dania Beach, discusses tort reform at a press conference about House Bill 837 - Civil Remedies, March 8, 2023, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder won their franchise-record 13th consecutive regular-season game, 116-98 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
The Thunder trailed by 16 in the first half before pulling within 52-48 at halftime. Shaking off a cold shooting first half, the Thunder exploded for 42 third-quarter points and an 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander also had a game high eight assists for the Thunder, who are 28-5 and have won 17 of their last 18 regular-season games. He did not play in the fourth quarter.
Jalen Williams scored 18 points and Isaiah Hartenstein added 11 points and nine rebounds for Oklahoma City.
Amir Coffey led the Clippers with 26 points.
After shooting just 31% in the first half, the Thunder wound up at an even 50% for the game and added to their league-leading steal total with 11 takeaways.
Despite the slow start, the Thunder's depth eventually overwhelmed the Clippers, who were without James Harden, a late scratch.
Williams hit a runner at the halftime buzzer to cut the Clippers lead to four, then scored the first six points of the second half to jumpstart a 23-5 run that put the Thunder in control.
Norman Powell came into the game averaging a career high 24.3 points per game. He missed his first nine shots and didn’t get a basket until eight minutes remained, finishing with six points on 1-of-11 shooting including 0-for-5 from 3-point range.
The Thunder continue their homestand Friday night against the Knicks. The Clippers return home to host Atlanta on Saturday with the expected return of Kawhi Leonard.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Los Angeles Clippers guard Kevin Porter Jr. (77) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams, center, looks to pass the ball away from Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) and guard Kevin Porter Jr. (77) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left, knocks the ball away from Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, looks for an outlet as Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
