Former California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero has announced her departure from the Democratic Party, registering as a Republican and endorsing former President Donald Trump for the 2024 election. Romero, who previously served as both Senate Democratic Caucus Chair and Senate Majority Leader, made her announcement in a passionate public statement on Wednesday.
“Today, I say goodbye. Adios,” Romero began during a speech in front of the California capitol in Sacramento, the very place where she once held significant power as a leading Democrat. I’ve had enough. I am now another near-lifelong Democrat who is joining the growing number of people, including key groups like Latinos, who are leaving the Democratic Party.”
“This is not the Democratic Party that I once championed. I do not recognize it anymore and I cannot continue. I changed my voting registration today as the sun was rising to Republican, which has under Donald Trump become the champion of working people, the big tent. And indeed, I will vote for Donald Trump this fall.” She went on to mention several reasons for her decision.
Romero, a prominent figure in California politics known for her advocacy on education reform and criminal justice, has long been a key voice within the state’s Latino community. Her shift to the Republican Party reflects a growing trend of Latinos aligning with the GOP. This defection occurs as the Republican Party aims to broaden its appeal among minority groups and voters disillusioned with progressive policies in states like California. Romero’s endorsement of Trump is expected to boost GOP efforts to gain traction in traditionally Democratic strongholds.
Romero, who served as a state senator and Democratic majority leader from 2005 to 2008, was the first woman to hold that leadership position. Her legislative career began with her election to the California State Assembly in 1998, followed by her election to the Senate in 2001, where she represented the 24th district, encompassing parts of East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Notably, she chaired the Education Committee and played a key role in passing the ‘parent trigger’ law in 2008, which gave parents at failing schools the authority to decide on restructuring options.
WATCH:
In June, a long-time donor to the Demformer President Donald Trump in his quest for a second term. Jacob Helberg told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo that he will be supporting former Trump in November due to the Biden-Harris administration’s “radical progressive” policies.
Bartiromo highlighted Trump’s recent successful fundraising trip to California, including a very successful fundraiser in Silicon Valley. “Deep blue turning red as the tide turns. Trump in Silicon Valley, members of California’s starkly liberal technology community turning out to support the from the prison the massive fundraiser last week in the Trump campaign, raking in $12 million at the event,” she said before noting that Helberg was at the event.
“You were once a prominent Democrat donor and gave to Biden in his last presidential campaign, but you were there this week supporting President Trump. What happened?” the Fox News host asked.
“Part of what we have seen over the last four years, I came from a one-party state, and like a lot of people in California and in Silicon Valley, I saw the Democratic Party get hijacked by the Squad and woke theology,” Helberg said. “President Biden campaigned as a moderate and ultimately has governed as a radical progressive. He has spent all of his time catering to his base, and ultimately, he is now completely out of step with where the rest of the country is.”
