Veteran trial attorney and legal analyst Alan Dershowitz has announced his departure from the Democratic Party, citing concerns over “anti-Jewish” voices within the party and the backroom nomination process of Kamala Harris after the primaries had ended. In a radio interview on “Talkline with Zev Brenner,” Dershowitz highlighted the recent Democratic National Convention as a key influence on his decision.
“It was the most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention I’ve experienced,” he said. “I was disgusted at the Democratic National Convention. Absolutely disgusted. I am no longer a Democrat. I am an Independent,” he added. The Harvard Law professor emeritus further revealed that he will not be announcing his plans for the presidential election now, and may hold off on his decision until November 1. “I want to see how they deal with Iran. I want to encourage the current administration to support Israel.”
He went on to say that his decision to leave his former party was a long time coming. “Alot of things pushed me in that direction,” he said, once again citing a number of the Democratic Party’s anti-Israel decisions, including Vice President Harris’ decision to skip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s congressional address. The Democratic National Convention ultimately cemented Dershowitz’s decision, however. He cited several prominent anti-Israel speakers, including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Al Sharpton, who were given a platform at the event. He also pointed to the large contingent of anti-Israel supporters outside the event, many of whom held signs calling for the destruction of Israel. “That is not my party,” Dershowitz said.
Former California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero announced her departure from the Democratic Party earlier this week, 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.