Former California Senator Joins GOP, Backs Trump Amid Party Shift

Gloria Romero, a former California state senator, has publicly announced her departure from the Democratic Party, stating that she no longer recognizes it as the party she once supported. She expressed her discontent with the Democratic leadership, particularly criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris for her handling of various issues, including the withdrawal from Afghanistan and education reforms in Oakland. Romero highlighted the Democratic Party's failure to represent the working class and its shift away from traditional values, particularly regarding citizenship and abortion policies. Romero's decision to join the Republican Party and support Donald Trump marks a significant shift in her political alignment. She articulated her belief that the current Democratic Party has strayed from its foundational principles, which she once championed. Her criticisms extend to the party's approach to immigration, where she advocates for maintaining the integrity of citizenship rather than an open-border policy. As a Mexican-American, Romero emphasizes the importance of pathways to citizenship while rejecting what she perceives as a mockery of the process. She also expressed concern over the educational disparities faced by Latino and black students in her community, attributing these issues to the Democratic leadership's failure to prioritize necessary reforms. In her statement, Romero reflects on her vision for America, one that embraces opportunity and progress while addressing existing inequities. By aligning herself with the Republican Party, she hopes to contribute to a future that she believes can restore the values she feels have been lost under the current Democratic administration.