California State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil switching from Democratic to Republican party, state GOP says
(FOX40.COM) — California State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil announced on Thursday she is switching her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.
Senator Alvarado-Gil represents California’s 4th State Senate District, which sprawls from north of Lake Tahoe to Death Valley and includes the central California cities of Modesto and Turlock.
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In a statement, Senator Alvarado-Gil said, “Since I’ve served in our state’s capitol, I’ve had a front-row seat to witness the supermajority push California in the wrong direction, having a grave effect on our once golden state.”
She continued, “I cannot stand by a party that ignores the will of the people and disregards the core American values that my very community supports and believes in.”
In June, the now-former Democratic senator removed herself as a co-author of two retail theft-related bills after amendments pushed by Democratic leadership were added.
Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones commended Alvarado-Gil for her decision, highlighting the Republican Party’s commitment to “addressing the real issues facing communities across the state.”
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“It’s no secret that California’s political landscape is heavily weighted to the left, but with increasing attention on issues worsened by Democrat policies, we can continue making strides in our fight,” Jones said. “The pendulum is swinging in this great state. If we’re going to fix California, we need pragmatic leaders like Marie who have seen firsthand the impact of the supermajority’s policies on communities and want to change it for the better.”
Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) also commented on Alvarado-Gil’s decision to switch parties, saying, “This is disappointing for voters who elected Senator Alvarado-Gil as a Democrat. They trusted her to represent them, and she’s betrayed that trust. Senate Democrats will continue to work on their behalf and deliver results for rural California. One silver lining is MAGA Republicans are gaining a pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ+ rights, anti-Trump colleague. We wish her the best of luck.”
The California Republican Party said Alvarado-Gil is known for her bipartisan approach, adding that she showcased “bold action and strength as a leader” when she revoked support for two retail theft bills after amendments were added to the legislation without prior knowledge.
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