In a significant political shift, former California State Senator Gloria Romero has announced her departure from the Democratic Party, citing a disconnect with its current direction.

According to Breitbart News, Romero, who previously served as the Senate Majority Leader in California, made the announcement on Wednesday, September 6, 2024.

Romero's decision to change her voter registration to the Republican Party marks a notable transition for the long-time Democrat. She expressed her disillusionment with the party she once championed, stating that she no longer recognizes it.

Romero's Reasons for Leaving Democratic Party

Romero's departure from the Democratic Party stems from her perception that it has strayed from its original values.

She emphasized that the current state of the party no longer aligns with the principles she once advocated for during her tenure in California politics.

In her announcement, Romero highlighted the growing trend of individuals, particularly among key groups like Latinos, who are leaving the Democratic Party. She positioned herself as part of this larger movement, suggesting a broader shift in political affiliations.

Romero also praised the Republican Party under Donald Trump's leadership, describing it as becoming "the champion of working people." This statement indicates her belief that the GOP now better represents the interests of the working class.

Criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris

Following her party switch, Romero appeared on Fox News for an interview with host Laura Ingraham. During this appearance, she took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris's record on education during her time as California's attorney general.

Romero criticized Harris for what she perceived as a lack of action in improving California's education system. She specifically highlighted Harris's alleged inaction in promoting school choice and education reform.

The former state senator pointed out alarming statistics about the educational performance in Harris's hometown of Oakland. According to Romero, 75 percent of African American and Latino children in Oakland are currently unable to perform math or read at basic proficiency levels.

Romero's Stance on Education Reform

Romero's criticism of Harris extended to the vice president's past actions regarding education policy. She accused Harris of siding with teachers' unions, whom she described as "very powerful big donors," to block education reforms.

The former Democrat emphasized her own efforts to champion school choice and education freedom in California. She contrasted this with Harris's record, which she claimed showed no significant attempts to change schools or provide for school choice.

Romero also mentioned a controversial bill that Harris allegedly tried to pass, which would have potentially jailed mothers of truant students. This reference further underscored Romero's disagreement with Harris's approach to education policy.

Broader Political Implications

Romero's departure from the Democratic Party is not an isolated incident in California politics. She follows in the footsteps of California State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, who also left the party in early August 2024, citing similar reasons of no longer recognizing the party's direction.

These high-profile defections could potentially signal a shift in California's political landscape. Despite the state's reputation as solidly Democratic, Romero suggested that voters in California may be ready for change.

In her final remarks, Romero expressed pride in her decision to join the Republican Party. She stated her belief that people in California are prepared to "make America great again," adopting a slogan closely associated with former President Donald Trump.

Romero's switch from the Democratic to the Republican Party represents a significant political shift. Her departure, coupled with her criticisms of Vice President Harris and the Democratic Party's education policies, may influence voter perceptions in California.

As the 2024 election approaches, Romero's move could potentially impact the political dynamics in the traditionally blue state, possibly signaling a broader trend of changing party affiliations among long-time Democrats.