A San Antonio judge has announced that he is leaving the Republican party to run as a Democrat.

"For too long the Republican party has been at war with itself," Judge Carlo Ray stated in a presentation explaining his decision. "Rational Republican beliefs have given way to ideological character assassination. Pragmatism and principle have been overtaken by pettiness and bigotry."

Ray stated that he feels the Republican party "demeans" Texans based on their ethnic origin, their socioeconomic status and their sexual orientation. He also blames the GOP for the recent government shutdown, and the negative economic impact it had on federal workers.

Ray concludes by saying, "I have not left the Republican party. It left me."

Ray serves as a judge in County Court at Law 11 in Bexar County. He was first elected in 2010.

Born in the East Texas city of Marshall, Ray graduated from Texas A&M before attending law school at Baylor in Waco. Before becoming a judge, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Bexar County and worked in private practice for seven years.

This move is the latest in a struggle within the GOP that many have labeled a "Republican Civil War." In the midst of the crossfire is the Tea Party, which has begun to polarize the Republican base.

A recent survey by the Pew Research Foundation noted sharp declines in the movement's popularity among Republican voters.

"The Tea Party's favorability rating has fallen across most groups since June, but the decline has been particularly dramatic among moderate and liberal Republicans," the report reads. "In the current survey, just 27 percent of moderate and liberal Republicans have a favorable impression of the Tea Party, down from 46 percent in June."

Ray will be seeking re-election as a Democrat in November 2014.