In a surprising political shift, former California State Senator Gloria Romero switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party, endorsing former President Donald Trump.

Gloria Romero, who represented East Los Angeles as a Democrat from 1998 to 2010, publicly announced her party change on Wednesday. The declaration came during a news conference held at the state capitol in Sacramento. Romero's political career has been marked by her advocacy for education reform and her increasing disenchantment with the Democratic Party's current policies, Newsmax reported.

Several prominent Republicans, including Rep. Kevin Kiley and Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, attended the event. Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson and Steve Hilton, a rumored gubernatorial candidate for 2026, were also present, signaling strong Republican support for Romero’s switch.

Romero Expresses Discontent With Democratic Policies

Dissatisfaction with her former party's direction, especially regarding school choice and educational freedom, was a key factor in Romero’s decision. She criticized the Democratic Party for straying from the values she once championed, highlighting a significant ideological shift. “Today I say goodbye, adios, I've had enough," Romero declared at the press conference.

“This is not the Democratic Party that I once championed. I do not recognize it anymore, and I cannot continue. I will vote for Donald Trump this fall,” she added, underscoring her break with past political affiliations.

Romero also touched on the issue of school choice, a pivotal concern in her critique of the Democratic Party. “Perhaps my biggest disconnect with my old party has been over school choice, education freedom, and the right to have quality schools for all — especially for poor and minority children trapped in chronically failing schools,” she stated.

Broader Trends of Party Switching

Romero's defection is part of a broader trend seen across the United States, where several politicians have reevaluated their party affiliations. State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil also recently registered as a Republican after leaving the Democratic Party, indicating a possible shift in political alignments within California.

Romero emphasized the growing disillusionment among certain voter groups with the Democratic Party. “I am now another near lifelong Democrat who is joining the growing number of people, including key groups like Latinos, who are leaving the Democratic Party,” she explained.

Her move aligns with previous political endorsements that diverged from her Democratic roots. In 2021, Romero supported Republican Larry Elder in the California gubernatorial recall race against Gov. Gavin Newsom, further showcasing her shifting political loyalties.

Influence of Personal Heroes and Political Figures

During her announcement, Romero cited Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as her hero. Kennedy, who had endorsed Trump after his independent presidential campaign, appears to have influenced her political realignment. His endorsement of Trump, despite a traditionally Democratic family background, mirrors Romero’s political journey.

The support from notable Republican figures at the event underscores the Republican Party’s embrace of Romero and her political stance. The presence of leaders such as Rep. Kevin Kiley and Jessica Millan Patterson highlights the significance of her endorsement within the party.

As the political landscape adjusts to these changes, observers will closely watch the impact of Romero's switch on local and national politics, especially with the approaching presidential election. Her endorsement of Donald Trump could sway more voters who are on the fence, particularly within the Latino community.