The Democrat supermajority in Sacramento just got smaller as State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. This was the first time in years that Republicans gained a seat in the State Senate. She was warmly welcomed to the Senate Republican Caucus, which now has nine members.
In a statement, Alvarado-Gil said, “Since my first day in office, I have put the interests of my constituents first. I was elected to serve the public, not a political ideology,” said Alvarado-Gil. “The status quo under a supermajority Democratic rule in the legislature is simply not working for this state. 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.
“Since I’ve served in our State’s Capitol, I’ve had a front-row seat to witness the supermajority push California in the wrong direction, having a grave effect on our once Golden state. The Democratic Party is unrecognizable to what I once knew and lacks the will to fix the problems plaguing this state. I cannot stand by a party that ignores the will of the people and disregards the core American values that my very community supports and believes in.”
Alvarado-Gil is known for her bipartisan approach, notably diverging from norms earlier this year as she was recognized by media for her efforts with Senate Republicans to compassionately clear homeless encampments. Showcasing bold action and her strength as a leader, she even revoked support for bills.
“I will continue to aggressively advocate for fiscal responsibility, policies that protect and restore community safety, that support our veterans, tackle the homelessness crisis with accountability, and lower living costs,” Alvarado-Gil continued. “I look forward to collaborating with my Republican colleagues on their plan to Fix California and continuing to lead with a pragmatic approach on issues affecting my district and this great state.”
Alvarado-Gil has led the charge on numerous anti-crime measures, including efforts to address the fentanyl crisis, combat human trafficking, protect child victims of sex trafficking, make the rape of an unconscious person a violent felony, and crack down on the dumping of sexually violent predators in rural communities.
This party switch by Alvarado-Gil isn’t the biggest surprise. The biggest surprise was Alvarado-Gil pulling off her Senate victory in the first place as a Democrat running in a dark red Senate District vacated by term-limited super conservative Jim Neilsen. How did that happen?
After Senator Jim Neilsen’s service was concluded, Marie Alvarado-Gil and Tim Robertson, both Democrats, entered the primary for the Senate seat, along with six Republicans, including former Congressman George Radanovich and Steven Bailey, who has statewide name ID because of his past runs for statewide office. In the end, the Republicans chopped up the vote and ended up helping both Democrats advance to the General Election. Alvarado-Gil won a close General Election over Tim Robertson and shocked the State Capitol by flipping one of the most Republican districts in the State of California.
From a practical standpoint, Alvarado-Gil would have an uphill climb getting reelected as a Democrat in her district, so her switch ensures she is both true to her convictions and also greatly enhances her chances of winning reelection in 2026.
It’s no secret that California’s political landscape is heavily weighted to the left. Republicans would need to flip an additional five seats to reach fourteen members and break the Democrat supermajority.
Senator Alvarado-Gil has been a very helpful voice for independent oil producers and has frustrated her Democrat colleagues because she has not been “toeing the line.” That pressure is gone now that she is a Republican.
For more information, contact Sean Wallentine.