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.”
This Is How Terror Spreads: 3 Australian Women Back from Syria Face Slavery, Terrorism Charges
Mayor Overruled After He Dissolved Entire Police Force Following Dispute with His Wife
Where Trump, GOP vs Democrats redistricting battle heads next in wake of key court rulings
Harris accuses Trump allies of trying to ‘rig’ 2026 midterms after Virginia court tosses redistricting measure
Minnesota nonprofit accused of siphoning $6.5M to fund Vegas trips, luxury cars, private liquor store
Alabama mother sentenced to life for hiring hitman to kill her child’s father over custody dispute
Trump warns college sports could be ‘lost forever’ as committee pushes changes, Congress urged to act
Duffys fire back after Pete Buttigieg, husband attack new road trip TV series: ‘Radical, miserable left’
Breathtaking ‘Chandelier UFO’ Video Goes Viral – But Is There a Simple Explanation?
Nearly a dozen injured after possible boat explosion at popular Florida tourist destination
Seth Moulton closing gap on progressive Democrat Ed Markey in Massachusetts Senate primary
Breaking: Bobby Cox, Manager of Braves ‘Teams That Ruled NL,’ Dead at 84
Two police officers shot, suspect ‘actively firing at police’ in Syracuse standoff lasting hours: report
Mob Attacks Indian Pastor and His Family as Villagers Try to Drive Him Away from Home
Virginia mother charged with murder after allegedly drowning her 17-month-old twin boys in bathtub: report
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.
