South Florida Sun Sentinel opinion editor Steve Bousquet said Broward Rep. Hillary Cassel’s switch from Democrat to Republican "reaped quick rewards," highlighting her new roles as vice-chair of the House Insurance Committee and a member of the Judiciary Committee. He made his comments on X on January 3.
“Broward Rep. Hillary Cassel's party switch from Democrat to Republican reaps quick rewards,” Bousquet said in his social media post. “She gets vice-chairmanship of House Insurance Committee and a seat on coveted Judiciary—slots that some senior GOP members didn't get.”
In a 2022 interview with the Sun Sentinel, Cassel described Governor Ron DeSantis's policies as "authoritarian," accusing his administration of undermining democracy and creating a "toxic" climate. She also criticized Florida's abortion restrictions as attacks on women's rights and emphasized the importance of keeping personal health decisions free from government control. Cassel vowed to challenge what she called the "extreme Republican agenda," prioritizing insurance reform, education, and reproductive rights.
CBS News Miami reported that Cassel switched her party affiliation to Republican shortly after being re-elected unopposed as a Democrat in Broward County. The report noted that her district is predominantly Democratic, making her one of the few Florida legislators to change party affiliation.
According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Cassel received an "F" grade and a 53% rating in 2024, reflecting limited alignment with the Chamber’s pro-business and economic growth agenda. The Chamber said this rating suggests a potential disconnect between her voting record and the priorities of Republican and business-focused constituencies.
The Florida House of Representatives states that Cassel is a Republican legislator for Florida’s District 101, an attorney from Dania Beach, and a graduate of Nova Southeastern University’s JD program. Elected in 2022, she serves as vice chair of the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee.
Bousquet's LinkedIn profile indicates he is the opinion editor and columnist at the South Florida Sun Sentinel with more than 40 years of journalism experience. He has worked in radio, television, and major Florida newspapers, spending decades covering the state capital and statewide issues.