In a move that’s becoming as predictable as a Florida afternoon thunderstorm, yet another Democratic state lawmaker has decided to swap the donkey for the elephant. Representative Hillary Cassel, hailing from the reliably blue Broward County, has announced her defection to the Republican Party. This marks the second such switch in the Sunshine State this month, following closely on the heels of Representative Susan Valdés of Tampa.

One might wonder if there’s something in the water down there—or perhaps it’s just the political climate. Cassel, who was re-elected without opposition (a feat in itself), took to social media to express her disillusionment with her former party. She lamented the Democrats’ disconnect with everyday Floridians and their failure to offer unequivocal support for Israel. ‘I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values,’ she declared. It’s almost as if she’s suggesting that standing for something is more important than standing with a particular party. Imagine that.

Valdés, for her part, expressed fatigue with being part of the ‘party of protesting.’ After losing a bid to chair her local Democratic executive committee, she decided it was time to cross the aisle. ‘I got into politics to be part of the party of progress,’ she stated, implying that perhaps progress requires more than just holding signs and chanting slogans. With these defections, the Republican supermajority in the Florida House grows even more robust, now boasting an 87-33 advantage. One can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from Florida Republicans, who must be thrilled to have two more seats at their already crowded table.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried expressed her ‘deep disappointment’ over Cassel’s decision, urging for ‘leadership and self-reflection.’ It’s a call for introspection that might have been more effective before members started jumping ship. After all, when your team is losing players faster than a pee-wee football squad, perhaps it’s time to revisit the playbook.

The broader implications of these switches are hard to ignore. Florida, once a swing state, has been drifting rightward in recent years. The GOP has held the governor’s office and both legislative chambers since 1999, and these latest defections only solidify their dominance. It’s almost as if voters—and now lawmakers—are signaling a preference for policies that prioritize action over rhetoric.

Political analysts suggest that these party switches reflect a pragmatic approach to governance. Susan MacManus, professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Florida, notes that with Republicans holding a supermajority, Democrats have limited power. ‘Democrats weren’t able to secure breaking the supermajority. So what choice do they really have?’ she observes. It’s a fair point; after all, it’s hard to effect change when you’re perpetually outvoted.

Critics, however, argue that such defections are opportunistic, driven more by personal ambition than genuine ideological shifts. They contend that switching parties post-election betrays the trust of constituents who believed they were voting for a Democrat. It’s a valid concern, though one might counter that constituents also expect their representatives to be effective—and effectiveness often requires being in the majority.

In the end, these party switches underscore a broader trend: the increasing polarization of American politics. As parties become more ideologically rigid, moderate voices find themselves squeezed out, leading to realignments that would have been unthinkable in years past. Whether this trend will lead to more effective governance or simply deepen divisions remains to be seen.

For now, Florida Republicans can celebrate their expanding ranks, while Democrats are left to ponder the reasons behind the exodus. Perhaps it’s time for some soul-searching—or at the very least, a new strategy. Because if current trends continue, the Democratic caucus in Florida might soon be able to hold meetings in a phone booth. Assuming, of course, they can find one.