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.”
Texas voters have plenty to say about whether Lone Star State could turn blue
Irish PM rejects antisemitism concerns in Ireland amid dramatic vote over boycotting Israel game
Tim Tebow Announces He’s ‘Pausing’ Relationship with Christian Group Targeted by Liberal Reporter
Trump Terminates ‘Ridiculous’ Biden-Buttigieg EV Mandate with Sweeping New Fuel Standards
Trump’s Greenland obsession isn’t random. Here’s what’s at stake
Trump reaffirms ICE arrest policy after confusing guidance sparks alarm among agents
Disturbing Video: ‘One of the Most Horrific Things I’ve Seen’ – Journalists Disgusted as Illegal Nearly Drowns Toddler in Effort to Cross Border
Florida sex offender accused of babysitting-ad trap as police investigate potential interstate predator
China Isn’t Waiting for Permits: US Leaders Warn It’s ‘Quicker to Get a College Degree’ Than to Power America
Nonimmigrant visas in flux due to Trump administration fees
Lee Gilley’s Texas attorney ‘never had one like this’ as accused wife killer clings to Italian lifeline
The folksy Senate Republican in hot demand on the campaign trail
SCOTUS detention fight could unleash dangerous criminal migrants onto US streets, experts warns
Michigan man doxxed after exposing his city’s booming Islamic surge takes defiant stand: ‘Not gonna stop’
How Ms. Rachel went from beloved children’s streaming sensation to ‘mouthpiece for Hamas’
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.
