California Democratic State Senator switches to GOP caucus, first in 80 years

(The Center Square) - California State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, R-Jackson, became the first Democratic State Senator to join the Republican Party mid-term in 80 years.

The rural State Senate Fourth District has a noticeable Republican leaning and hasn’t voted for a Democrat for president since 1992. Alvarado-Gil came second in the primary for her first term in 2022 behind another Democrat, guaranteeing a Democrat would gain the seat due to the state’s so-called “jungle primary” that allows the top two vote-getting candidates — regardless of party — to advance to the general election.

“The status quo under a supermajority Democratic rule in the legislature is simply not working for this state,” said Alvarado-Gil in a statement. 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.”

California State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, who leads the Democratic Caucus in the State Senate, shared his disappointment with KCRA while also noting Alvarado-Gil’s record.

“This is disappointing for voters who elected Senator Alvarado-Gil as a Democrat,” said McGuire. “One silver lining is MAGA Republicans are gaining a pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ+ rights, anti-Trump colleague.”

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, welcomed Alvarado-Gil.

“It takes courage to stand up to the supermajority in California and Marie has what it takes,” said Jones in a statement. “Her record on tackling crime, protecting communities from sexually violent predators, and prioritizing her constituents speaks for itself.”

Not all Republican legislators seemed happy to have her on board.

“Make no mistake [Alvarado Gil] is an opportunistic liberal State Senator who endorsed Kamala Harris and only switched Republican for political purposes. Alvarado-Gil knows she is out of touch with her district and she knows [Jeramy Young] will beat her in 2026,” said Assemblymember Bill Essayli, R-Corona, on X . “We do not need or want fake Republicans in our Party.”

The California Republican Party's X account still had a March 2023 post calling out Alvarado-Gil for refusing to "support a $1/gallon cut to CA's sky-high gas prices."

Democrats maintain their supermajority in the State Senate, and still hold 31 seats out of 40.