Webb County, Texas, Judge Tano Tijerina has joined the Republican Party after being elected as a Democrat nearly a decade ago.
In an interview with Fox & Friends, Tijerina said, “Over the years, I’ve watched the Democratic Party shift further and further to the left and leaving the values that I hold dear to my heart. I’ve always been a conservative, and the radicalization of the national Democrats pushed me away a long time ago.”
“For that reason, I’m proud to announce that today I will be leaving the Democratic Party and joining the Republican Party, and I’m proud of that.”
Host Ainsley Earhardt asked the judge what he would say to those who believe he switched his party affiliation because President-elect Donald Trump won the area.
“Well, people think of others the way one thinks, and I get it. It’s just the way it is. But unfortunately, I have a moral compass, and I cannot answer for anybody or let anybody know what they want to do. But for me, I’ve been seeing this go so further and further left,” he said. “We need to have border security. I think it’s a little bit more. Oil and gas industry has been threatened here in South Texas. Then to be able to see everything that’s going on from the woke movement from the boys playing in girls’ sports and whatnot.”
Tijerina asserted that switching to the Republican Party is “something that I had to do. It’s something that’s dear to my heart, and I have a moral compass that I need to continue moving forward.”
The judge explained that South Texas Democrats are “conservative for the most part.”
“I think everybody started to understand and realize what was going on these last three to four years. To be able to see what’s going on through the border and everything like that,” he said, adding, “I think with Donald Trump and what he’s going to do and some of his initiatives, I think it’s going to be good.”
The Republican Party of Texas issued a statement officially welcoming Tijerina to the Party.
Abraham George, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, said, “On behalf of the Republican Party of Texas, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to our party. Your decision to join the Republican Party is a reflection of your dedication to principled governance and your commitment to serving the people of Webb with integrity and resolve.”
