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.”
Government watchdog targets ‘weapons of mass reproduction’ after Supreme Court ruling
Court keeps ‘Decoy Dan’ on Alaska ballot as expert warns ranked-choice system creates voter ‘traps’
Military Leaders Brief Trump on Plan for Full-Scale War in Iran: Report
Judge Frees Punks Accused of Brutalizing Elderly Man Who Dared Stand Up for Pregnant Woman – Welcome to Mamdani’s Paradise
RNC chair predicts first-ever midterm convention will turn Dallas into ‘Trumpapalooza’ for 2026 fight
WATCH: Obama, Harris advisor warns ‘betrayed’ Black voters could be Texas Senate candidate’s kryptonite
PHOTOS: Trump debuts new Air Force One plane from Qatar
Taylor Swift’s wedding secrecy went so far some guests still didn’t know location days before ceremony: source
Smarter Systems, Safer Missions: AI, Autonomy and the Warfighter
Prominent Attorneys Form Team Aimed at Overturning Karmelo Anthony’s Murder Conviction
Alert: Names Will Be Named – House Adopts Massive Resolution on Sexual Misconduct Slush Fund Recipients
One of America’s oldest manufacturers says AI is creating jobs — not replacing them
EXCLUSIVE: Millions of newborns to receive special Social Security cards celebrating America’s 250th birthday
‘I Am a Ruined Man’ – Japanese World Cup Tourist Gets Trapped in Hilarious Cycle – Won’t Say No to a Gift, So Free ‘Gift’ Chips Won’t Stop Coming at Mexican Restaurant
Trump honors Village People and ‘Y.M.C.A.’ singer Victor Willis after death announcement
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.
