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.”
Watch: The Country Would ‘Come Unglued’ – Tim Burchett Reveals Alien Life Briefing He Attended 2 Weeks Ago
ESPN Set to Begin Layoffs Due to ‘Unexpected Revenue Dip’: Report
GOP Congressman Says Soleimani Family Was ‘Dressed Like a Bunch of Hookers’ While Living It Up in US
Poll: Fewer Than 4 in 10 Republicans Say NATO Benefits the U.S.
Steve Hilton says Trump endorsement was smart strategy in California governor’s race
Democrat swing candidate called Biden’s border handling ‘a huge misstep’ after backing his approach as mayor
ICE involved in shooting after agency says illegal immigrant gang member tried to ram officer
Pakistan pleads with Trump to extend Iran ‘civilization’ deadline two weeks in return for Iran opening Strait of Hormuz
Blanche invokes Trump ‘love’ when asked about staying on after Bondi
Massachusetts mom offers to admit killing 3 children as prosecutors push back on move that could dodge prison
Blanche rolls out fraud crackdown in first remarks since Bondi ouster
Trump Iran threat sparks calls for his ouster, but one Dem says effort ‘not realistic’
Report: ‘Positive’ Development in US-Iran Talks as Clock Ticks Toward Deadline
Trump’s threat to end Iranian ‘civilization’ sparks uproar on Capitol Hill
Trump DOJ Says Not So Fast as Mamdani Announces ‘Racial Equity Plan’
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.
