Welp

Carlo Key, a judge in Bexar County, Texas, elected on a Republican ticket, announced yesterday in a campaign ad that he is leaving the Republican Party and will run for re-election as a Democrat.

Piano music. Blue gavel graphic. Text Onscreen: "Vote for Judge Carlo Key: County Court at Law Eleven."

Onscreen, Judge Carlo Key, a young Latino man, speaks directly into the camera: I have tried to live a life of principles. These principles have been shaped by mi familia, my community, and my country. In fact, it is my dedication to these principles which has led me to the law in the first place, and has guided me to becoming a judge.

Video montage of industry, scientific research, roads, POC, a gay couple. Key says in voiceover: These values are simple. I believe that justice demands fairness. It requires careful and intelligent probing of evidence. And, above all else, justice can only be served without prejudice toward race, color, creed, or whom you choose to love.

Onscreen, in front of shelves of lawbooks: These principles have served as the bedrock upon which my rulings have been made. They are also my driving force. That is why I can no longer be a member of the Republican Party.

Video montage of news articles about Ted Cruz, Tea Party protests, Republican members of Congress on the news. Key says in voiceover: For too long, the Republican Party has been at war with itself. Rational Republican beliefs [sic] have given way to ideological character assassination. Pragmatism and principle have been overtaken by pettiness and bigotry.

Onscreen, in front of shelves of lawbooks: Make no mistake—I have not left the Republican Party. It left me. I cannot tolerate a political party that demeans Texans based on their sexual orientation, the color of their skin, or their economic status.

Image of an article headlined "San Antonio City Councilwoman Elisa Chan Describes LGBT Community as 'Disgusting'" followed by an article headlined "Eliza Chan to Challenge Donna Campbell in Texas Senate District 25." In voiceover, Key says: I will not be a member of a party in which hate speech elevates candidates for higher office, rather than disqualifying them.

Image of a sign announcing national parks are closed due to the Shutdown, followed by video of Republican members of Congress speaking to the media during the shutdown. Key says in voiceover: I cannot place my name on the ballot for a political party that is proud to destroy the lives of hundreds of thousands of federal workers over the vain attempt to repeal a law that would provide healthcare to millions of people throughout the country.

Oncreen: That is why I am announcing that I am now running for reelection as a Democratic candidate for County Court at Law Eleven in the 2014 elections. My principles have led me to the Democratic Party. I can only hope that more people of principle will follow me.

Over video of people marching, in voiceover: If you believe these values are your values, then I respectfully ask you to join me, and let's work together to keep dignity, fairness, and respect for rule of law in our Bear County Courts.

Over blue gavel graphic: Follow me on Twitter at @judge_key and join my team at www.judgecarlokey.com.

May you be the first of many, Your Honor. Good luck with your reelection!