California Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil is leaving the Democratic Party to join Republicans.
“Since my first day in office, I have put the interests of my constituents first. I was elected to serve the public, not a political ideology,” Alvarado-Gil said in a statement.
She continued: “The status quo under a supermajority Democratic rule in the legislature is simply not working for this state. It is after deep reflection I announce that I will be joining the Senate Republican Caucus and the California Republican Party in their fight to fix California.”
Alvarado-Gil was elected as a Democrat in 2022 to represent a conservative-leaning district in the northeast of the Central Valley, according to the Associated Press.
State Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire called Alvarado-Gil’s decision “disappointing for voters” who elected her.
“They trusted her to represent them, and she’s betrayed that trust,” he said in a statement adding, “one silver lining is MAGA Republicans are gaining a pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ+ rights, anti-Trump colleague. We wish her the best of luck.”
Republicans meanwhile are praising Alvarado-Gil’s decision.
Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones said in a statement, “It takes courage to stand up to the supermajority in California and Marie has what it takes. Her record on tackling crime, protecting communities from sexually violent predators, and prioritizing her constituents speaks for itself.”
Democrats hold supermajorities in both the Assembly and Senate in California. Alvarado-Gil’s defection gives Republicans nine votes in the 40 member upper chamber.
Democrats need to vet these candidates better.