San Diego City Wire

Today, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones of San Diego extended a welcome to former California State Senate Democratic Majority Leader Gloria Romero as she announced her decision to join the Republican Party. This move comes after Romero's change in voter registration, reflecting her growing discontent with the Democratic Party's direction.

Jones expressed his appreciation for Romero's decision, stating, "As former Senate Democrat Majority Leader, Gloria Romero’s decision to join the Republican Party shows her dedication to doing what’s best for California." He further emphasized the courage it takes to leave a party one has led and highlighted her focus on serving people over partisan politics.

Romero's shift is seen as part of a broader trend within California politics. "The pendulum is swinging in California," Jones remarked, pointing to issues such as high prices, rising crime rates, and homelessness as failures under the current government. He invited others dissatisfied with the Democratic supermajority to consider joining their ranks.

Romero served as the first woman Democratic Majority Leader in the California State Senate from 2005 through 2008. Despite her longstanding ties with the Democrats, she has become critical of its current trajectory. In 2021, she urged a return to core values that support everyday families but found herself increasingly at odds with party policies.

At a public announcement in front of the State Capitol, Romero stated: “I am now another near life-long Democrat who is joining the growing number of people...who are leaving the Democratic Party.” She cited an inability to recognize or support what she sees as a departure from previous principles.

Romero's transition follows that of State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil from Jackson, who also recently changed her affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Alvarado-Gil shared similar sentiments about feeling disconnected from what she perceives as an unrecognizable version of her former party.