A Democratic state senator in Pennsylvania who represents a district that flipped to President Trump in 2016 said he plans to become an Independent and caucus with the state’s Republicans because he’s tired of “purist” politicians and felt a disconnect with an increasingly liberal party.
“As an Independent, I will continue to put people above politics,” state Sen. John Yudichak, who represents Pennsylvania’s 14th senatorial district in the northeastern part of the state, said. “I will continue to support Democratic ideas as well as Republican ideas when it is clear that they serve the greater good and help government work for people rather than the narrow interests of partisan purists.”
Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa said Democrats were “extremely disappointed” by Yudichak’s decision to turn away from their “big tent” values.
Yudichak responded that the Democrats’ “tent is shrinking every day.”
Backlash erupts over viral video of CAIR leader as Newsom funding draws scrutiny
Kentucky man enters insanity plea after admitting to beating his grandmother to death in recorded attack
California immigration judge sues DOJ, alleging she was fired for being a registered Democrat, a woman over 40
Trump’s Psychedelic Push May Open a Door Christians Should Question
Schumer’s ‘No. 1 target’ says voters will see her Democrat Senate challenger as too extreme
Leftist Influencer’s Mangione Celebration Resurfaces After He Opposes Death Penalty for Child Murderer
Obama Presidential Center looks to ‘put presidency in context’ as tickets sell out
DOJ investigating left-wing Fairfax County prosecutor over alleged unlawful discrimination
DOJ dangles massive signing bonuses for lawyers ready to fight ‘lawless’ cities far beyond DC
Rubio heads to Rome amid Trump’s unpopular feud with Pope Leo
Dem representative admits to working with Mexico to sneak oil into Cuba, despite blockade
Merz ends first year as most unpopular German chancellor in post-war history
US Forces Strike as Iranian-Flagged Vessel Attempts to Violate Blockade
Cole Allen’s alleged Trump assassination attempt may have been driven by Iran war: intel report
DHS blasts Minnesota board for unanimously pardoning illegal immigrant convicted of 3 assaults
The Republicans will likely have a 29-21 majority next year with the Yudichak and a January special election in a solidly Republican district.
“This is unique,” Yudichak said. “I’m an independent. I’m going to be fiercely independent. I’ve been independent by nature, now it’s going to be by party.”
Yudichak won re-election to a third term in 2018 in the district without any challengers.
He said his stances on issues won’t change and he’ll continue to support some of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s policies.
Democrats picked up six seats in the state in 2018, causing the party to look at potentially getting the majority for the first time in almost 30 years.
Story cited here.
