SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) — California State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil on Thursday switched political parties, leaving the supermajority Democratic party and joining Republicans.
“Since my first day in office, I have put the interests of my constituents first,” Alvarado-Gil said in a statement. “I was elected to serve the public, not a political ideology. The status quo under a supermajority Democratic rule in the Legislature is simply not working for this state.
“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 added. “The Democratic Party is unrecognizable to what I once knew and lacks the will to fix the problems plaguing this state. 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.”
The switch for Alvarado-Gil doesn’t tip the scales of power, as Democrats continue to hold a two-thirds majority in both chambers. However, many Republicans lauded the switch, praising Alvarado-Gil for her decision while slamming Democrats.
Republican Senator Brian Jones, his chamber’s minority leader, welcomed Alvarado-Gil on X, formerly Twitter.
“It takes courage to stand up to the supermajority in California and Marie has what it takes,” he said. “Her record on tackling crime, protecting communities from sexually violent predators, and prioritizing her constituents speaks for itself.”
Senate Republicans now number nine out of 40.
Some Assembly Republicans also praised the move on social media. Assemblymember Joe Patterson, a Rocklin Republican, said he’d never become angry at a Democrat choosing to switch parties.
“People can be suspicious of the motivations, but if GOP is going to pick up seats in California, we need more than just one state senator to switch,” Patterson posted on X. “We need millions of Californians. Good news is it has been happening as every legislative district picks up voter registration.”
Patterson was quick to follow up with a link to where people can re-register their party affiliation.
Alvarado-Gil’s official Senate website, initially accessible that afternoon, began displaying a “site under maintenance” sign around 7 p.m. — a move Patterson was quick to note.
Not every Republican welcomed Alvarado-Gil’s move. Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli, a Corona Republican, blasted the switch as a political move.
“Make no mistake, (Alvarado-Gil) is an opportunistic liberal state senator who endorsed Kamala Harris and only switched Republican for political purposes,” Essayli posted.
“We do not need or want fake Republicans in our party,” he added.
Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire called the switch “disappointing” in a statement, saying her constituents elected a Democrat.
“They trusted her to represent them, and she’s betrayed that trust,” McGuire said. “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.”
Alvarado-Gil was first elected in November 2022 and represents Senate District 4 — which includes Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties. Alvarado-Gil beat seven opponents to take her Senate seat.
A biography of Alvarado-Gil on her website stated that she’s the daughter of immigrants who came to the United States and worked in the service industry. Taught the importance of hard work, she studied animal science at UC Davis. She raised three children, became involved in nonprofits, community health and education programs for youth and families. She later returned to college and got a bachelor’s and master’s in public administration.
She won’t face election for another two years.
Alvarado-Gil’s political switch comes in the waning days of this year’s session. Aug. 31 is the last day either chamber can pass bills. The 2025-26 Legislature will convene on Dec. 2 for an organizational session.
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