Gloria Romero, a lifelong Democrat and former co-chair for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign, has announced her departure from the Democratic Party and her support for former President Donald Trump. Romero, once a “true-blue” Democrat and a delegate for the Democratic National Committee (DNC), made the announcement during an appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend. Her decision has sent shockwaves through political circles, given her long-standing involvement with the party.
Romero cited a growing disillusionment with the direction of the Democratic Party as the primary reason for her departure. She explained that recent policies, combined with the party’s handling of key issues like education, crime, and the economy, were at odds with her values. “This was the final straw,” Romero said, describing her frustration with the party’s approach to governance and its impact on American society.
Shift to GOP and Endorsement of Donald Trump
In a candid interview, Romero expressed her belief that the Democratic Party has strayed too far from the principles that initially drew her to it, particularly around the topics of public safety and education reform. She specifically highlighted the Democratic Party’s stance on school choice, a cause she has championed throughout her career, as a key factor in her decision. Romero has long advocated for education reform and empowering parents to have more control over their children’s education, views she feels are now better aligned with the Republican Party’s platform.
Romero’s endorsement of Donald Trump marks a significant political pivot. She acknowledged that while her views once aligned closely with the Democratic agenda, she now sees Trump as the leader capable of addressing the issues that matter most to her and many former Democrats. “I believe in the leadership that he has shown,” Romero stated, emphasizing that Trump’s policies on issues like the economy, immigration, and school choice are why she is now backing him.
Political Repercussions and Broader Implications
Romero’s decision has sparked intense reactions, with some Democrats expressing disappointment in her move and others pointing to it as a broader reflection of dissatisfaction within the party’s base. For Republicans, Romero’s defection is seen as evidence of the growing appeal of Trump’s platform beyond traditional GOP voters. Conservative commentators on Fox & Friends noted that Romero’s shift could signal a wider trend of disillusioned Democrats reconsidering their political allegiances, particularly as the 2024 election approaches.
Romero’s history with the Democratic Party runs deep, having served as the Majority Leader in the California State Senate and co-chaired major Democratic campaigns. Her departure, therefore, is viewed as a significant blow to the party’s unity. She reiterated during her interview that her decision was not made lightly but reflected her belief that the GOP now represents the “common-sense solutions” that many Americans are seeking.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Romero’s endorsement of Trump may influence other moderate Democrats who are similarly frustrated with the party’s current direction. Whether her move signals a larger exodus remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds to the growing narrative of a Democratic Party facing internal challenges and external defections.
