Susan Valdés faces party swap backlash at Tampa Tiger Bay

Former Hillsborough Democratic Rep. Susan Valdés defends her switch to GOP

Hillsborough Democratic House Leader Fentrice Driskell (left) and Hillsborough County GOP Rep. Susan Valdés speaking at the Cuban Club in Tampa's Ybor City on July 18, 2025. (Photo by Don Kruse for the Florida Phoenix)TAMPA — Although it’s been more than seven months since Hillsborough County state Rep. Susan Valdés flipped to the Republican Party, that departure remains raw with some of her former Democratic colleagues, as emotions spilled out …

Tampa Rep. Susan Valdés faces heat for party change at forum, but has 'no regrets'

Some of Hillsborough County’s state representatives recapped the 2025 legislative session and fielded questions from their constituents at the Tampa Tiger Bay Club forum Friday. But  Republican Representative Susan Valdes faced heat for her decision to switch parties last year after losing a bid to chair the Hillsborough County Democratic Party. When asked about her switch, Representative Valdes said she had no regrets and would do it all again.…

Susan Valdés faces party swap backlash at Tampa Tiger Bay

A panel of lawmakers offering a legislative recap at Tampa Tiger Bay would have been made up exclusively of Democrats had it not been for one of them — Rep. Susan Valdés — dumping the party late last year. Valdés, now a Republican, shared a stage with Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell and Democratic Reps. Dianne Hart and Michele Rayner. Valdés’ presence seemed merely the elephant in the room — pun intended …