Former California State Sen. Gloria Romero has announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party, citing that it is no longer the party she once supported. Romero, who previously served as the Senate Majority Leader in California, revealed on Wednesday that she had changed her voter registration to the Republican Party.
In a statement, Romero expressed her disillusionment with the Democratic Party, stating that it has changed beyond recognition. She noted that she is not alone in her decision, as many others, including Latinos, are also leaving the party.
Romero’s decision was motivated in part by her disappointment with Vice President Kamala Harris’s record on education. During an interview with Fox News, Romero criticized Harris’s efforts as California’s attorney general, saying that she did little to improve the state’s schools.
Romero specifically pointed to Harris’s attempt to pass a bill that would have jailed mothers of truant students, as well as her opposition to education reforms that would have provided more choices for families. Romero noted that in Harris’s hometown of Oakland, a staggering 75% of African American and Latino children are unable to read or do math at basic levels of proficiency.
Romero’s departure from the Democratic Party is not an isolated incident. California State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil also announced her departure from the party in August, citing similar concerns. Romero’s decision is seen as a significant blow to the Democratic Party in California, which has long been considered a stronghold for the party.
Romero expressed her pride in joining the Republican Party, saying that she is eager to support a party that champions the interests of working people. She also expressed her confidence that Californians are ready for change and are eager to support candidates who will work to make America great again.
