Former California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero made headlines this week with a significant political shift. She announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party and registering as a Republican, expressing frustration with the party’s stance on education and other pressing issues. Her announcement has sparked discussions about the future of party loyalty and the role education plays in shaping political decisions.

Romero criticized Vice President Kamala Harris' record on education during her time as attorney general in California, citing it as a major reason for her decision to leave the Democratic Party, Fox News reported.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Romero explained her reasoning for the switch, highlighting Harris' record on education reform. She pointed to a controversial bill Harris attempted to pass during her tenure as California’s attorney general, which would have jailed mothers of truant children. As a longtime advocate for school choice, Romero saw this as evidence of the Democratic Party’s failure to support educational freedom.

Harris’ Education Record Under Fire

Romero’s critique of Harris was focused on the vice president's handling of education during her time in California. Romero accused Harris of blocking crucial education reforms by siding with teachers' unions. She emphasized the dire situation in Harris’ hometown of Oakland, where 75% of African-American and Latino children reportedly fail to meet basic reading and math proficiency levels.

“Her record as attorney general showed that she did nothing to change the schools, to provide for school choice,” Romero said. She expressed deep disappointment in Harris' policies, which she believes have failed to improve education for underserved communities.

School Choice at the Heart of Romero’s Decision

Romero has long been an advocate for school choice. This policy allows parents to select the best educational environment for their children, whether it be public, private, or charter schools. In her view, Harris and the Democratic Party have consistently resisted this approach in favor of maintaining traditional public school structures. This resistance, Romero argued, has left many students, particularly in low-income communities, without the tools they need to succeed.

“In her hometown of Oakland, Calif., today, 75% of both African-American and Latino children are not reading or doing math at basic levels of proficiency, and yet, she went to court with the teachers union — very powerful big donors — to block education reforms,” Romero added.

Disillusionment Among Disaffected Democrats

Romero’s switch to the Republican Party reflects a broader trend she sees among Hispanic voters. She noted that many within the Hispanic community are increasingly dissatisfied with the Democratic Party’s positions on issues such as school choice, open borders, and rising crime. Romero highlighted that this disillusionment has led to a growing number of Democrats either changing their party registration or voting Republican in recent elections.

“There are so many more like me, who have been disaffected Democrats, and we do not recognize this so-called party of democracy any longer,” Romero said. She argued that the party’s shift away from core values, particularly on education and citizenship, has alienated a significant portion of its traditional base.

Political Shifts Within the Hispanic Community

Romero also highlighted a growing movement within the Hispanic community toward the Republican Party. She claimed that many Hispanic voters are preparing to vote Republican in the upcoming election, driven by dissatisfaction with the Democrats’ handling of key issues.

“The absence of school choice, education freedom, open borders, crime rampant — a mockery of citizenship itself,” Romero stated, summarizing the reasons for her departure from the Democratic Party. She expressed pride in her decision to support former President Donald Trump’s agenda and urged others to follow her lead.

Romero’s Message to Voters

Romero’s defection from the Democratic Party comes at a critical time for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is preparing for the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle. The debate is expected to place significant scrutiny on Harris' record on education, particularly during her time as California’s attorney general, especially given Romero’s high-profile criticism.

Adding to the pressure, Harris has largely avoided the media in recent weeks, with over 50 days passing since her last formal news conference. Critics have drawn attention to this media silence, arguing that Harris is avoiding accountability on key issues, including education reform.

Upcoming Debate to Highlight Harris’ Record

As the presidential campaign heats up, Harris' education record will likely become a focal point of debate. With the first debate set to air on September 10, the vice president may face questions about her past actions as attorney general and their alignment with her current platform. Voters who share concerns about public education and the need for reforms are expected to resonate with Romero’s criticisms.

Romero’s decision to switch parties underscores the growing divide within the Democratic Party over issues like education, immigration, and crime. It also highlights the political realignment happening within key voter demographics, particularly Hispanic voters, as they reassess their political affiliations ahead of the 2024 election.

Looking Toward the Future

Romero's defection raises questions about the future of the Democratic Party, especially in states like California, where education remains a contentious issue. As more voters voice their dissatisfaction with the status quo, the upcoming election will serve as a critical test for both parties to address these concerns.

“Blue California may be blue, but people are ready to vote for change, to make America great again, and I take pride in saying that today,” Romero concluded. Her remarks echo a growing sentiment among former Democrats who feel that the party no longer represents their values or priorities.

As the 2024 election approaches, Harris and the Democratic Party will need to address these criticisms head-on, particularly if they hope to retain key voting blocs like the Hispanic community.