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.”
Survivors of Plane Crash Off Florida Were Stranded on a Life Raft With No Idea If Help Was Coming
Dem Infighting Worsens as Fingers Start Pointing in Heated California Governor’s Race
Trump threatens to pull Boebert endorsement, calls congresswoman ‘weak minded’ over Massie support
Trump celebrates after UN climate committee moves away from its most extreme global warming scenario
Trump scores major Republican primary victory as Cassidy ousted in Louisiana
Maduro’s alleged ‘bag man’ Alex Saab arrested less than 3 years after Biden pardon: report
Massachusetts governor asks US Navy to help retrieve bodies, evidence from sunken fishing vessel
Trump shares stunning photos of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, says project is ahead of schedule
Suspected drunk driver kills 2 pedestrians in violent chain-reaction crash on Manhattan’s Upper West Side
Breaking: US Makes ‘Intense Preparations’ for Impending Iran Attacks as Trump Sends Warning
US Attorney Pirro Lays Down Law: Parents Need to Stop ‘Teen Takeovers’ or Face Jail
We Were Right: 13 Heads Roll as DC Police’s Conspiracy to Deceive Public on Astronomical Crime Rates Exposed
Masked suspect charged with using fuel, fireworks in Walmart kids section as cover for massive jewelry heist
Former college soccer player killed in boat crash after group allegedly took vessel without authorization
Pope Leo does ‘6-7’ trend for children at the Vatican
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.
