Democratic Lawmaker Joins Republican Party a Month After Re-Election

A Florida state legislator who recently secured re-election as a Democrat announced on Monday that she is switching her party affiliation to Republican for her upcoming term.

Susan Valdes, representing West Tampa, revealed the decision in a post on X.

In her statement, Valdes reflected on her upbringing in a Democratic household and her early belief that “Democrats were the party most concerned with the working families I represent.”

Facing term limits, Valdes explained that she intends to make her final two years in office impactful.

“In the House, I have long known that no one has a monopoly on good ideas,” Valdes shared.

She added, “I will not waste my final two years in the Florida Legislature being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community.”

Valdes emphasized her motivation for entering politics, which she said was to address issues rather than to serve a specific party.

“Our Speaker, Rep. Daniel Perez, has laid out a vision for the House that focuses on empowering House members to work on real problems facing our communities. That’s what I want to be a part of,” Valdes stated.

“I want to roll up my sleeves and work. I want to be a part of solving problems for West Tampa,” she continued.

Taking a critical stance against her former party, Valdes wrote, “I’m tired of being the party of protesting when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress.”

Acknowledging potential differences, Valdes noted, “I know that I won’t agree with my fellow Republican House members on every issue, but I know that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect.”

Valdes reiterated her commitment to her community, saying, “I love my community, and I will continue to fight every day to benefit the people of West Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the state of Florida. And in my heart, I know the best way to do that is to stand with Speaker Perez and join the Republican supermajority in the Florida House of Representatives.”

Republicans now hold an 86-34 supermajority in the state House. Speaker Daniel Perez expressed his support for Valdes, telling the Tallahassee Democrat, “We all know Susan as a fierce advocate for her community and a person of uncommon common sense. She will be a great asset to our Republican team.”