State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil of California, a moderate Democratic lawmaker, made a noteworthy announcement on Thursday. She revealed her decision to switch to the Republican Party, citing disagreements with the Democratic Party’s leadership and policies. Alvarado-Gil, who has been a Democrat for a long time, expressed that her values no longer align with those of the Democratic Party, especially since her election in 2022. She stated this during an appearance on “The Steve Hilton Show,” a YouTube series hosted by a conservative political commentator.
Representing a predominantly rural district northeast of the Central Valley, Alvarado-Gil criticized the Democratic Party’s policies, emphasizing their negative impacts on the middle class, children, and the overall direction of California. Despite acknowledging that leaving a supermajority party would relinquish some power, she believes the decision to switch parties is in the best interest of her constituents who elected her into office.
Known for her tough stance on crime and fiscally conservative views, Alvarado-Gil has often aligned with Republicans on labor-related legislation. Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones commended her courage to challenge California’s supermajority, highlighting her efforts in addressing crime, protecting communities, and focusing on constituent needs.
With Alvarado-Gil’s move, Republicans now hold nine seats in the 40-member Senate, falling short of the majority required to control the chamber, as Democrats maintain supermajorities in both the Assembly and Senate. Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire expressed disappointment in her decision, stating that she has betrayed the trust of the voters who elected her in 2022.
Acknowledging the shift in her district’s political landscape towards a more Republican-leaning environment, Alvarado-Gil secured a significant victory in the 2022 election against a progressive Democrat and multiple Republican candidates. However, her term is set to continue until 2026, with the district seeing a rise in registered Republican voters compared to Democrats since 2022.
Historically, party switches among California lawmakers have occurred, with State Library legislative historian Alex Vassar noting that it is uncommon for a member of the majority party to defect. The most recent instance was in 1995 when former Assemblymember Dominic Cortese shifted from the Democratic Party to Ross Perot’s Reform Party.