Romero Makes Announcement
Former California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero has officially broken ranks with the Democratic Party, announcing her shift to the Republican Party and endorsing former President Donald Trump for the 2024 election. This move, declared publicly on Wednesday, marks a significant departure for the former high-ranking Democrat, who was once a prominent voice in California’s political landscape.
Speaking in front of the California Capitol, Romero began her statement by expressing her frustration with the current state of the Democratic Party. “Today, I say goodbye. Adios,” she said. “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.”
Romero, known for her advocacy on education reform and criminal justice, emphasized her disappointment with the party’s direction, noting that it no longer represents the values she once championed.
Romero’s decision to join the GOP comes as Republicans increasingly look to broaden their appeal among Latino voters. In recent years, the party has made significant inroads with this demographic, particularly as more Latino voters voice concerns over progressive policies.
For someone of Romero’s stature—a former Senate Majority Leader and a key figure in California’s Latino community—her defection adds considerable weight to this growing trend.
Throughout her legislative career, Romero was a trailblazer. She was the first woman to hold the position of Senate Majority Leader, serving from 2005 to 2008. Representing California’s 24th district, she was a strong advocate for education reform, spearheading the passage of the 2008 ‘parent trigger’ law, which empowered parents at failing schools to push for restructuring.
Although Romero was term-limited out of office in 2010, she continued to be active in political and educational spheres. She became a vocal proponent of charter schools, founding Scholarship Prep Charter School, and took on leadership roles with Democrats for Education Reform.
Her political evolution was evident even before her party switch, as she controversially endorsed Republican Larry Elder in the 2021 recall election against Governor Gavin Newsom.
Romero’s embrace of the Republican Party and Trump signals a major shift in California politics, especially as the GOP aims to build support among minority voters disillusioned with the state’s progressive policies. With her defection, Romero joins a growing chorus of former Democrats who believe the party has strayed too far from its roots, and her support for Trump is sure to energize Republicans heading into the 2024 election.