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.”
Grady Judd puts parents on notice over TikTok teen takeovers: ‘We’re gonna come lock you up too’
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani releases audit accusing federal immigration agents of misleading tactics
Republicans get ‘aggressive’ in fight to win top cop spots in battleground states
Georgetown Cupcake keg-throwing suspect turned in by his own father after recognizing surveillance footage
Trump Admin Order Could Force Hundreds of Thousands of Foreigners to Leave the US
Trump Abruptly Cancels Plans to Attend Son’s Wedding, Heading Straight Back to DC
FBI launches ‘fittest agent’ competition for field offices
Warren torched over ‘my kind of man’ praise for Platner after death-wish post for wounded veteran resurfaces
Trump administration orders green card applicants to leave the US, apply from their home countries
Breaking: Tulsi Gabbard Resigning from Trump Administration
Wasserman Schultz makes bid for new district after Cherfilus-McCormick resignation
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Explains How He and Kyle Busch Overcame Their ‘Challenging Existence’ in Heartfelt Message
Dem candidate who called for imprisoning ‘Zionists’ blames her own party, media for backlash
As China tensions loom, US temporarily pauses Taiwan weapons sales due to Iran war, acting Navy secretary says
Trump Celebrates ‘Total Jerk’ Colbert’s Official Cancellation, Shares Brutal Farewell Message: ‘He’s Finally Gone!’
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.
