In a significant political shift, Gloria Romero, a former Democratic majority leader in the California State Senate, announced her departure from the Democratic Party on September 4, 2024. Romero, who represented East Los Angeles and parts of the San Gabriel Valley during her tenure from 1998 to 2010, made her decision public at a press conference outside the California State Capitol, surrounded by key Republican figures including Congressman Kevin Kiley and Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher.

Romero's exit from the Democratic Party comes after years of what she describes as a growing disconnect with the party's direction. "This is not the Democratic Party that I once championed," she stated, emphasizing her disillusionment with the party's current policies and ideologies. "I do not recognize it anymore, and I cannot continue."

Her decision to switch to the Republican Party was driven by several key issues where she felt the Democrats had strayed too far from her values:

• School Choice and Education Freedom: Romero highlighted her disagreement with the Democratic stance on education, particularly the lack of support for school choice, which she believes is crucial for providing quality education to all, especially minority children trapped in failing school systems.
• Cultural and Social Issues: She criticized the party's approach to issues like sex changes for minors and the erosion of Title IX protections for women in sports, indicating these policies were not in line with her principles.
• Economic Policies: Romero's support for Donald Trump, whom she now sees as a champion for working people, underscores her shift towards economic policies that she believes better serve the working class.

Romero's move is not isolated. She joins a trend where prominent Democrats, including Texas State Representative Shawn Thierry, have also switched parties, citing similar reasons for their departure from the Democratic Party. This trend suggests a broader ideological rift within the Democratic Party, particularly among its more centrist or traditional members.

Her announcement has sparked a mix of reactions. While some see it as a sign of the Democratic Party's shift too far left, others view it as an individual's realignment with her evolving political beliefs. Regardless, Romero's switch could have implications for California politics, potentially influencing other moderate Democrats or independents to reconsider their political affiliations.

As Romero steps into the Republican fold, she expressed optimism about joining a party she now believes aligns more closely with her vision for America, one that she hopes will continue the legacy of figures like Abraham Lincoln in building a new great republic. Her endorsement of Donald Trump for the upcoming election further cements her new political identity, marking a significant moment in California's political landscape.

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