I want to let myself be hopeful and happy from this but I also wonder if it's some sort of ploy that Republicans will start doing to see if they can limit the impact that the midterms will have on their slim majorities. Will these candidates switch back after an election?

Did he truly grow a soul overnight or just sense that he's a rat on a sinking ship? Time will tell...

Now can we get four reps in the House & four senators in Congress? Because that would change everything.

Wish more politicians had a spine like this commissioner Tony Ortiz

It’s always amazing how clearly “good” is written on some people’s faces, isn’t it?

BREAKING: Brief moment of self-awareness detected in U.S. politics. Officials fear it could spread. ICE already monitoring empathy levels in local government. filthee.news

That is why I am a proud former Republican

Is he on Bluesky? I WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW HIM IF SO. Thanks.

That’s great news! If more elected Republicans have a ‘Come to Jesus’ moment and switch parties, we might be able to tilt the balance of power in Democracy’s favor! 🫶🏼🇺🇸👏🏼🇺🇸

It’s great he realized what the gop has become, but we don’t need conservatives running as Dems. Run as independent.

Outstanding. May he be the first of many. And as someone from this area I'm pleased to hear it.

Well this isn’t something you see every day! It’s nice to see that some ppl can change and do what’s right!! Hopefully more to follow! (Wishful thinking I know ppl).

Red Herring? He’s also said he’s considering a Mayoral Run ???? I trust no Republican in Florida @annaforflorida.bsky.social Has been a terrific Rep for Florida and Orlando She should be Mayor!

But where has Ortiz always been on policy questions? Does he actually hold and work to further the values of Democrats? Tolerance & inclusion? Helping the poor & middle class? Health care for all? Sensible gun control? Pro-choice? BLM? Anti-autocrat? Who is he really?

Why was he a Republican in the first place?

I assume he was in a coma the last 10-20 years.

Sure, sure, just figured it out? If true which it is not, if it took you this long to realize it you are not qualified for any leadership role.

Uh I don't trust this at all.

I still don’t trust a guy

I’ll believe, after a few votes.

I totally appreciate his perspective.

Nah, we've seen this trick before. Fuck him.

👀👀👀😮😮😮

💯

When did he realize this?

That Simple! A Few Now. Mostly Vets like Me. But for All of us

Okay Tony but that is literally the party you signed up with

Salute.

Bravo!

Could this happen in the House please? Also if the “moderate” Republicans in the House and Senate banded together and denounced the most egregious Trump admin actions, they would have safety in numbers!!!

Seems he is eyeing a mayoral run...so thinking definitely a fake democrat

"fear-based politics.” Could have said "deceitful mean-spirited and fascistic" or something a little stronger and more direct

That's been the GOP's platform for DECADES!

Welcome Tony Ortiz!! There’s room for all Americans in the Democratic Party. And even Republicans who wants none of Trump bullshit are welcome!! Imagine America staging a parade with our military and their equipment for a RAPIST’S ego!! It is un American. Reject this man!!

Only because the policies now affect him and his people!

Welcome to the light.

Nah, they can stay over there!

I congratulate Tony Ortiz for renouncing the ongoing criminal fascist enterprise that is the GOP. He looks much better without a fascist clown nose. Here's to the restoration of our freedoms through our nation's wholesale return to reason's rule!

Good for him. Hope this is the beginning of a #BlueMassMigration

While I welcome this, like many others I’ll remain cautious for good reasons. Hopefully his actions and voting record going forward reflect genuine intent and not some sort of quiet installation of a “Republican lite”.

Great. An anti-choice Democrat. Just what we need 🙄

He was slow to wake up.

Welcome!

Nope.

FOOLS BELIEVE THIS SHIT. WE DON'T NEED EX repubs.

Lead the way Ortiz.

Welcome!

One down hopefully more will come!

Well, now isn't he Special! 🤣

No doubt all of his views are suddenly radically different than they were yesterday.

Ohhh, now that the leopards are eating HIS face!!! Fuck off!

That’s a fucking long wait to switch!!! Rats abandon sinking ships.

I can’t help but wonder- another case of “it’ll be good when they come for others” - but now that they’re coming for people close to his base, it’s suddenly not good?

only in the stupid virtue-signaling, self-defeating echo chamber of bluesky would you see people furious a GOP politician switched to the dem party. the purity test “progressives” love losing elections

Well, c'mon in, just try not to say anything stupid. 😉

wow i’ve never seen that

Democrats need to pounce! Call this out and get it together in Florida.

Let’s hope we see a lot more of this.

May he be the first pebble of the landslide.

I want to hope for more desertions in US Congress. 🔥 🌊

There will be more jumping ship you can bet

I struggle to fathom how anybody with any such values is still a Republican

City Manager?

💙🌺💙🌺💙

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Look, more fascists pretending to be Democrats. Ugh. No. GTFO we don't need your bullshit stupidity.

I hope it’s just the start.

Great news-excellent decision! Congress GOP-you up?

Let’s hope that more Republicans in Florida and nationwide follow Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz’s example and switch from Republican to Democrat. 💙

HARD PASS.

Better late than never.

Wow! How long has he been Republican? Does he think it just started with Trump? They really are stupid!

Good man.

The leopard doesn't change its shorts. IYKYK.

He doesn't look old enough to have become Republican prior to them becoming what they are, but kudos for finally recognizing it and coming over to the light side of The Force.

Whoa! I think this is big. Where I live ALL the elected officials switched from Democrat to Republican. This is a new course!!

Welcome!!!

Yaaas bitch! I've been saying forever, the GOP must end the way of the Whigs. Now we need the DNC, to help progressives build an opposition party to the actual left, so it can take its place as the new conservative party.

What do you know! A Republican who found his heart and soul!

I’d want to hear his views on women’s bodily autonomy, social security, immigration, let’s see: national security, doge, education, science, civil rights for all, voting rights. Just checking a new box does not a Democrat make.

Awesome!!!! Let this be the first drop of rain in a heavy thunderstorm !!!!!!

There's 3 Tony Ortiz here I see and I'm not sure any are him. Congrats Tony, welcome to America.

More should follow

All for people leaving the GOP. That’s more important than any of the knock-on effects folks are discussing here. Yes it’s more intellectually honest to leave the GOP, go independent, then caucus with Dems on certain issues. But expecting intellectual honesty from a Republican in 2025 is bonkers.

And so it begins - when the party becomes so reprehensible that even the party faithful begin to lose faith.

He realized this now? It's been fear based politics since 2016.

Love his stance. Confused by his multiple hands.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 More to Come, I hope! 💙💙💙

Wow...

Took him long enough. Hmmm wonder why.

At last, a Republican sees the light with this tyrannical regime and babbling, incoherent and inhumane POTUS 👍

Hmm. Not a reflection on this man, but nobody likes it when a dumb*ss wises-up.

The Republican Party is no more. It’s MAGA now.