Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina announced that he is switching to the Republican Party, ending a decade-long tenure as a Democrat in his elected role. The move has been condemned by Texas Democrats as prominent members of the GOP welcome his decision.
"I'm proud to announce that today I will be leaving the Democratic Party," said Tijerina in an interview on Fox & Friends. "I've always been a conservative and the radicalization of national Democrats pushed me away a long time ago."
After much thought, prayer, and conversations with my family and friends, I have made the decision to switch to the Republican party.
— Judge Tano Tijerina (@JudgeTano) December 10, 2024
Our shared values here in South Texas — hard work, faith, family, and freedom — are no longer pillars in the Democrat party and I want to be… pic.twitter.com/OJzGT0uVW1
The Fox host challenged Tijerina's decision, suggesting it might be driven by political interests tied to Donald Trump's historic gains in border communities, including Webb County. In response, the judge stated, "It's something I've had to do," pointing to concerns over "the woke movements," border security, "boys playing in girls' sports," and the oil and gas industry.
Prominent Republicans quickly welcomed Tijerina to the party, including Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, who recently offered the Trump administration land to build detention centers and expand the border wall. "South Texas keeps getting more Red! Welcome to the Republican Party," she wrote on X.
At the same time, the Texas Democratic Party condemned the move, calling it a betrayal. Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement:
"For nearly a decade, Judge Tano Tijerina represented Webb County as a proud Texas Democrat, championing initiatives that echo the values and priorities of our party by lowering taxes, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting small businesses. While his abrupt switch to the Republican Party reflects his own personal and political journey, it does not reflect the enduring commitment Democrats share with the community of Laredo to improve life for Webb County families.
Judge Tijerina has never aligned with or represented the core values of the billionaires that control today's Republican Party. At a time when our state faces challenges that demand unity, dialogue, and solutions grounded in the shared priorities of all Texans, we're disappointed to see politics put above the community."
Tijerina's announcement comes just one day after Florida State Representative Susan Valdes similarly declared her decision to leave the Democratic Party and join the Republican Conference in the Florida House of Representatives.
The back-to-back party switches have sparked online discussions with people questioning the legality of elected officials changing political parties while in office.
The short answer: yes, it is legal.
In the United States there are no federal or state laws preventing an elected official from switching political affiliations. Additionally, law experts cite the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech, association, and political expression. This includes the right of individuals, including elected officials, to align with or leave a political party of their choice. However, party-switching does not happen often, as elected officials risk facing backlash from voters in future elections.
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