Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) this evening officially welcomed former Democrat, now Republican, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) to the Senate Republican Caucus.
“It takes courage to stand up to the supermajority in California and Marie has what it takes,” said Leader Jones. “Her record on tackling crime, protecting communities from sexually violent predators, and prioritizing her constituents speaks for itself. Senate Republicans are committed to addressing the real issues facing communities across the state and look forward to adding an eager spitfire like Marie to the cause.
"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," continued Jones. "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. For anyone else who might be tired of witnessing the supermajority run this state into the ground, we have a seat at our table for you, too.”
Alvarado-Gil was initially elected in 2022 to the Senate as a Democrat but today formally switched to the Republican Party.
“Since my first day in office, I have put the interests of my constituents first. I was elected to serve the public, not a political ideology,” said Alvarado-Gil. “The status quo under a supermajority Democratic rule in the legislature is simply not working for this state. It is after deep reflection I announce that I will be joining the Senate Republican Caucus and the California Republican Party in their fight to Fix California.
“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," continued Alvarado-Gil. "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.”