A Florida state representative has left the Democratic Party to join the Republicans over the GOP's strong .
Hillary Cassel announced on social media on Friday that she was changing her party affiliation, pointing to her concerns over the Democrats' "failure to support Israel unequivocally" and what she described as the party's disconnection from everyday constituents.
The move makes Cassel the second Florida Democrat this month to switch to the Republican Party, followed by Representative Susan Valdés from Tampa.
It comes after the lawmakers took part in a trip to Israel in June as part of the, which was organised by the Jewish Federation lobby group.
"Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. This decision was not made lightly but comes from a deep sense of responsibility to my constituents and my commitment to the values that guide my service," Cassel wrote in a .
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," she said.
Based on initial social media reactions to her decision to switch parties, she is already facing backlash.
"Ma'am you were elected to represent your district, not Israel," one comment read.
"You shouldn’t be allowed to continue without a new election. Your constituents didn’t vote for a Republican," another comment said.
On X, Cassel shared an image of the make-up of the Florida state legislature, illustrating a sea of red seats in what was once a purple state.
She pointed to her Jewish background as a key reason for switching parties, saying that Democrats have been too tolerant of extremism in their party. Though American Jews tend to favour the Democratic Party, many in Florida lean Republican.
Describing herself as a "proud Jewish woman, she said, "I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism."
"I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values," she added.