BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Democratic Assemblywoman Nicole Parra crossed party lines in officially endorsing a Republican candidate as her replacement.

Parra said the endorsement had nothing to do with party, but rather the person. In fact, Parra has endorsed several Republican candidates for state assembly.

Parra wasn’t alone in her endorsement, however, as her father, Pete, also endorsed 30th Assembly candidate Danny Gilmore over Shafter Mayor Pro Tempore Fran Florez.

Gilmore, a retired California Highway Patrol officer, made the announcement with the Parras Monday morning at the Liberty Bell, and Parra explained her reasoning.

Florez's office did not comment on the endorsement. Florez said last week that she has more experience and is the better candidate after rumors hinted Parra’s upcoming endorsement.