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.”
Survey work begins at proposed site of Trump’s Triumphal Arch in DC
Liberal arts college drops prof’s name from campus hall after grave dig controversy
Suspected roadway gunman with reported criminal history sparks outrage after drivers shot
Stacey Abrams hit with subpoena in alleged campaign finance violations saga: ‘No one is above the law’
‘I’m not some hooker’: GOP senators release Hunter Biden texts buried by DOJ
Members of Congress using online prediction markets? Don’t bet on it
Breaking: UAE Has Been Secretly Striking Iran, Fighting Alongside US and Israel
John Cornyn under fire from MAGA base over anti-Trump post
San Antonio Spurs Superstar Ejected After Vicious Hit – Should the NBA Suspend Him?
Trump ‘seriously considering’ plan to make Venezuela and its $40 trillion in oil permanent part of USA
Watch: Military Veteran Scores the Biggest Payday in ‘Price Is Right’ History
Mega-mansion built on Manson murder site now a luxury rental after years of failing to find buyer
Unions’ ‘Astonishing’ Attack Ad Against LA Republican Spencer Pratt Actually Helps His Case
Maine progressive says he won’t back Schumer even after Democrats unite behind Collins challenger
Trump Scorches 2 SCOTUS Justices by Name: ‘Democrats don’t really need to “PACK THE COURT”‘
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.
