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.”
AG Todd Blanche Now Among Trump Officials Living on Military Base for Safety: Report
AG Todd Blanche Now Among Trump Officials Living on Military Base for Safety: Report
It Wouldn’t Be a ‘Climate Change’ Conference Without Tons of Private Jets There, and the UN’s COP31 Certainly Delivered
It Wouldn’t Be a ‘Climate Change’ Conference Without Tons of Private Jets There, and the UN’s COP31 Certainly Delivered
Texas Democrats put DEI back on agenda after sweeping to power
Texas Democrats put DEI back on agenda after sweeping to power
Suspect ‘barricaded’ after multiple injured in shooting near DC fitness center, police say
One killed, four injured in Logan Circle shooting before gunman barricades himself in apartment and turns gun on himself
Dem rep blames ‘horrific’ traffic for missing Hegseth impeachment vote: ‘I am so sorry’
Dem rep blames ‘horrific’ traffic for missing Hegseth impeachment vote: ‘I am so sorry’
Who is Scott Colom, and how did his viral ads help secure Mississippi Senate stunner?
Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico if migrant caravans not stopped
Peltola campaign loses in court on rejected absentee ballots as she maintains narrow lead
Jim Jordan predicts who Dems will quickly go after in Trump admin once they take power and more top headlines
‘China is not our enemy’: Inside the DSA’s foreign travel now in Florida’s crosshairs
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.
