Trump congratulates the Democratic state representative on switching to the Republican Party

President-elect Trump on Saturday congratulated Florida state Rep. Hillary Cassel (R) on her party switch to the GOP this month.

“Congratulations to Hillary Cassel, who is the second state representative from the great state of Florida to switch her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, thereby once again expanding the Republican supermajority in the House of Representatives!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Cassel is the second former Democrat in the state House of Representatives to leave the party this month.

“As a proud Jew, I am increasingly concerned by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extremely progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism,” Cassel said. “I am continually troubled by the current Democratic Party’s inability to connect with everyday Floridians.”

“I can no longer remain in a party that does not represent my values,” she continued.

Her decision came after Rep. Susan Valdés (right), who left the Democratic Party after losing a bid to become chairman of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party, switched parties. Valdés said she didn’t want to spend her final two years in the state legislature being “ignored” in a caucus where leaders would expect her to ignore the needs of her community.

Republicans already hold a supermajority in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, although the moves by Valdés and Cassel add to the GOP’s growing dominance in a state that was considered competitive less than a decade ago.

In the post, Trump appealed to “disillusioned” Democrats and suggested they join the Republican Party.

“I would also like to invite other disillusioned Democrats to switch parties and join us on this noble mission to save our country and make America great again – GREATER THAN EVER.” THANK YOU HILLARY!” Trump wrote.

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