A rift within the House Freedom Caucus erupted when Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced her resignation from the conservative group. The Trump-endorsed lawmaker’s dramatic exit comes amid intense debate over her push to allow proxy voting for new parents, signaling potential fractures in the influential GOP group.
At a glance:
• Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna resigned from the House Freedom Caucus, citing a breakdown in “mutual respect”
• Luna’s departure follows opposition to her efforts to allow new parents to vote by proxy while recovering
• She successfully gathered 218 signatures for a discharge petition to force a vote on her resolution
• Some caucus members reportedly wanted to raise the threshold for discharge petitions to block her effort
• Luna, a Trump-endorsed Air Force veteran and first Mexican-American woman to represent Florida’s 13th district, was elected in 2022
Luna Cites Betrayal Within Conservative Group
Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida announced her resignation from the House Freedom Caucus on Monday, revealing deep divisions within the conservative group. The Trump-endorsed Congresswoman’s departure stems from opposition to her push allowing new mothers in Congress to vote by proxy during recovery, a measure she believes would strengthen the institution.
In her resignation letter, Luna didn’t hold back her frustration with fellow caucus members who she claims undermined her efforts. “I cannot remain part of a caucus where a select few operate outside its guidelines, misuse its name, broker backroom deals that undermine its core values and where the lines of compromise and transaction are blurred, disparage me to the press, and encourage misrepresentation of me to the American people,” Luna wrote.
Anna Paulina Luna resigns from House Freedom Caucus, says 'mutual respect' was 'shattered' https://t.co/8TIMEjUebY
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 31, 2025
Proxy Voting Debate Reveals Deeper Divides
The core conflict centers on Luna’s resolution to allow proxy voting specifically for new parents, an effort she successfully advanced by securing 218 signatures on a discharge petition. Her proposal faces opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson and several Freedom Caucus members who argue proxy voting violates constitutional requirements for in-person congressional proceedings.
Rep. Chip Roy of Texas publicly criticized Luna’s proposal on social media, writing: “Respectfully to my friend – this (unconstitutional) rule would ultimately NOT be limited to moms. Cancer patients, dads, & worst of all, people who lazily abuse it (eg, voting from boats).”
Luna countered that her resolution includes strict limits and would apply only to new parents. “I will not compromise on something as important as ensuring new moms can vote while recovering,” Luna stated firmly.
Anna Paulina Luna resigns from House Freedom Caucus, says ‘mutual respect’ was ‘shattered’ https://t.co/lbdAK2rdjh pic.twitter.com/VznYyUU7GW
— New York Post (@nypost) April 1, 2025
Rising Star’s Dramatic Exit
Luna, an Air Force veteran and former model, has risen quickly in Republican politics since winning her seat in November 2022. As the first Mexican-American woman to represent Florida’s 13th district, Luna gained prominence with endorsements from President Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
In her resignation statement, Luna emphasized that mutual respect had been “shattered last week” following internal conflicts. The Freedom Caucus, which includes prominent Trump allies like Rep. Jim Jordan and Rep. Lauren Boebert, has historically demanded unity from its membership to maximize its influence in the closely divided House of Representatives.
Luna’s departure raises questions about the group’s ability to maintain cohesion as it navigates complex political dynamics. Her willingness to break with caucus leadership over the proxy voting issue demonstrates her independent streak and commitment to supporting working mothers in Congress, a position that has garnered both criticism and praise.
The timing of Luna’s exit could have significant implications for upcoming legislative battles as House Republicans hold only a narrow majority. With every vote critical, fractures within the influential Freedom Caucus could impact the GOP’s ability to advance its agenda in the months ahead.
