In what is seen as a landmark political shift, Florida state Rep. Hillary Cassel has moved from her previous allegiance with the Democratic Party, registering instead as a Republican.

Cassel's move gives the Republicans a historic majority in Florida's House of Representatives with the lawmaker becoming the second Democrat in the legislature to switch sides following recent elections, as the Daily Mail reports.

Having won her seat in the 101st District, which includes parts of Fort Lauderdale, as a Democrat with over 53% votes, Cassel revealed her rebirth as a Republican on Dec. 27.

She justified this significant decision as stemming from her “deep sense of responsibility” towards her constituents.

Change Born out of Discontent with Democrats

The roots of this shift lay in Cassel's dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party's standpoint on Israel and what she perceived as their failing connection with everyday Floridians.

Having begun her political journey as a Democrat in 2022, she has now chosen a path that brings her closer to the pulse of the average residents of the state, despite potential conflicts with certain Republican viewpoints.

Asserting her new decision, Cassel said, "I am constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I will be joining the Republican Conference of the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in their vision for a better, more prosperous Florida."

Looking Back at Legislative Past

Prior to her switch, Cassel had been a popular figure among LGBTQ advocates and abortion rights groups.

She was also noted for her critique of former President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, unrest at the U.S. Capitol.

Cassel, during her 2022 campaign as a Democrat, had vowed to protect abortion rights, ensure the safety of the LGBTQ+ community, introduce stringent gun control measures, and present a strong position against climate change deniers.

Responses to Cassel's Political Transition

The reaction to Cassel's party switch has been a mixed bag.

While it has boosted the Republicans' strength in the Florida House, she has also been sharply critiqued by some who feel betrayed by her switch.

Expressing her disappointment, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried stated, "Floridians put their trust and faith in Representative Hillary Cassel to fight for them but unfortunately today, they lost representation in the Florida House."

State Rep. Susan Valdes also joined the GOP earlier this month.

With these party switches, the Florida House now sits under the largest Republican majority in its history.

Trump Invites More Democrats to Switch Parties

Former President Donald Trump welcomed Cassel's switch and further extended an invitation to other disgruntled Democrats to follow suit.

"I would further like to invite other disillusioned Democrats to switch parties and join us on this noble quest to save our country and, Make America Great Again -- GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. THANK YOU, HILLARY!" stated Trump.

As the Florida political scene grapples with this sudden shift, similar moves in the future could push the state into a new political phase.