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.”
Trump threatens troop withdrawals if ‘very good deal’ on Greenland isn’t struck
House Dem back in the spotlight as brother faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted
Platner drops out of crucial Senate race after bombshell rape allegation torpedoes campaign
Franklin Graham Gives McDonald’s ‘Free Advice’ on How to ‘Bring Happy Customers Back’
Mike Rowe Sues Discovery for $2 Million in ‘Deadliest Catch’ Dispute
Erika’s Heartbreaking Reaction to a Woman She Saw in the Courtroom Crying Over Charlie’s Murder
Former Wisconsin Judge Who Was Convicted of Helping an Illegal Alien Evade ICE Gets Light Sentence
Bernie-backed socialist who allied with Platner could supplant him on ballot
WATCH: Dana White drops 2028 hints while raving about his favorite Trump cabinet secretary
Donald Trump sparks intrigue by ditching new Qatari jet for old Air Force One
Trump contemplates assassinating more Iranian leaders, warns he ‘may be gone too’ after topping Tehran’s ‘kill list’
Alleged Jan. 6 pipe bomber Brian Cole Jr.’s trial set for February
Three-time deported illegal immigrant charged with killing North Carolina girl, 6, after running stop sign
West Virginia town fires entire police force after chief resigns, sergeant alleges evidence room break-in
Doctors Issue Warnings as Popular Toy Inflicts Horrific Injuries on Kids
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.
