Demnomore.com A list of recent Democrats that have jumped ship.
Dem No More: The Latest Democrats Jumping Ship to the Republican Party
The Democratic Party is bleeding talent—and it’s not slowing down. Over the past 12 months (roughly April 2025 to April 2026), a growing wave of elected officials, former officeholders, and prominent Democrats have formally switched their affiliation to the Republican Party. From state legislators to high-profile figures, these switchers cite the same core reasons: the modern Democratic Party has abandoned working-class values, rural communities, common sense, and effective governance in favor of coastal elitism, identity politics, and big-government overreach.
Here’s a rundown of the most notable recent defectors. These aren’t fringe voices—they’re lawmakers and leaders who looked at where their old party was headed and said, “Enough.”Elle Cochran – Hawaii State Representative (Switched March 2026)Maui’s Rep. Elle Cochran, representing Lahaina and West Maui in the heavily Democratic state of Hawaii, stunned the political world when she announced she was leaving the Democrats to join the House Republican Caucus. Citing frustration with the Democratic Party’s handling of the devastating Maui wildfires and a desire for stronger advocacy for her constituents, Cochran said she felt “pushed out” and saw more common ground with Republicans on delivering real results for her district. In one of the bluest states in America, her switch boosted Hawaii Republicans to their highest seat count in 20 years. Welcome aboard, Rep. Cochran—real leadership looks like putting people over party.
Robin L. Webb – Kentucky State Senator (Switched May 2025)Longtime Eastern Kentucky Sen. Robin Webb, one of the last rural Democrats in the Kentucky Senate, made it official: she didn’t leave the Democratic Party—the party left her. After decades in the legislature (serving since 1999), Webb switched to the GOP, citing a complete disconnect between Democratic priorities and the values of rural Kentuckians. Her move eliminated the last pockets of Democratic representation in rural Kentucky and further solidified the Republican supermajority. Webb’s voting record had long reflected conservative-leaning values on issues important to her constituents. As she put it, the Democratic Party no longer speaks for working people in coal country or farm country. A powerful signal that even in deep-red rural America, Democrats are now an endangered species.Ed Hale – Prominent Maryland Businessman and Gubernatorial Candidate (Switched August 2025)Baltimore businessman, sports team owner (Baltimore Blast), and self-made success story Ed Hale was a lifelong Democrat—until he wasn’t. Hale initially eyed a Democratic run for governor but switched to the Republican Party to mount a serious challenge against Gov. Wes Moore. He emphasized pragmatism over party loyalty: “I don’t care about the party affiliation as much as I care about doing the right thing.” Hale has hammered Maryland’s business-unfriendly climate under Democratic leadership and is running on a “Contract with Marylanders” focused on fiscal responsibility, education, public safety, and infrastructure. A classic case of a successful Democrat realizing the party’s policies are driving people and jobs away.Other Notable Recent Switches (2025–2026)
- Alex Villanueva – Former Los Angeles County Sheriff (2025): The tough-on-crime former sheriff, who clashed with progressive Democrats over law enforcement policies, officially joined the GOP.
- Peri Pourier – South Dakota State Representative (2025): A state lawmaker who saw the writing on the wall in a red state trending even redder.
- Leo Pacheco – Former Texas State Representative (2025): Left the Democrats amid shifting political realities in the Lone Star State.
- David Pascoe – South Carolina First Circuit Solicitor (2025): A prosecutor who chose the party that better aligns with public safety and accountability.
- Lindy Li – Political Commentator and Campaign Operative (2025): A former Democratic insider and commentator who publicly broke ranks.
- Lucas Atkinson – South Carolina State Representative (2026)
- Stephen Cloobeck – Businessman and former California gubernatorial candidate (2026)
- Tiffany Henyard – Former Mayor of Dolton, Illinois (2026)
These aren’t isolated cases. They reflect a broader trend: Democrats in red and purple areas, or those who actually have to answer to working families, are realizing their national party has moved too far left on crime, the economy, education, and cultural issues. Rural Democrats? Gone. Moderate Democrats tired of being bullied by the far-left wing? Heading for the exits.The message is clear: If you’re a Democrat who still believes in strong borders, safe streets, school choice, energy independence, and putting American workers first—you’re not alone, and the Republican Party has room for you. The old Democratic Party of your parents and grandparents is gone. Dem No More.Stay tuned to DemNoMore.com for updates on the next wave of switchers. The exodus is just getting started. If you’re a former Democrat who’s made the switch, reach out—we’d love to share your story. The tide is turning. Welcome to the party of results. 
