Representative Susan Valdes, who represents a district of the Tampa branch, mentioned that her birthday celebration registration change will go into effect in a moment.
Representative Susan Valdes, who was re-elected as a Democrat closing years in Florida Area District 64, announced on Monday that she is joining the Republican Party.
Valdes did not give a specific reason for her decision, but the lawmaker said she did not want to spend her last two years in the Florida Legislature being “overlooked” through her birthday party.
The Cuban American baby-kisser will not be able to seek reelection when his fourth consecutive two-year term expires in 2026.
Valdes said she would attend the Republican convention in the Florida area House of Representatives and that her party registration exchange would be effective immediately.
Valdes said she would not trust Republicans on every issue but would “be welcomed and treated with respect” in the caucus.
He also expressed a desire to be part of the scene with Florida Area Chairman Daniel Perez, who he said specializes in “empowering House members to work on real issues for West Tampa.”
“I love my community and I will continue to fight every day for the benefit of the people of West Tampa, Hillsborough County and the state of Florida,” Valdes said.
“And in my heart, I know the best way to do that is to stand with (House Speaker Daniel Perez) and join the Republican supermajority in the Florida House of Representatives.”
Representative Fentris Driskell (D-Tampa), the area’s minority leader, said she was surprised and disappointed by Valdés for pulling off a “bait-and-switch” trip, after which she lost her bid by a wide margin.