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.”
Massachusetts man accused of beating parents and setting home on fire, leaving them to die
Mass shooting at Stockton, California, banquet hall leaves 4 dead, 10 wounded
Rep Troy Nehls, a Trump ally, will not seek re-election as twin brother announces campaign to replace him
Trump highlights federal law granting presidential power to halt immigration as crackdown escalates
Rioters arrested after attacking ICE vehicles in New York City; officials say group organized on social media
Christian Persecution Is on the Rise and the Media Is Downplaying It
Parolee with lengthy criminal history identified in deadly crash that killed Colorado father, 3 children
West Virginians Gather to Honor National Guard Slain By Afghan Refugee
Chicago Police Department Hit with Civil Rights Complaint for Race-Based Hiring Practices Meant to Address ‘Systemic Inequities’
Only 1 Day Before DC Shooting, Another Biden-Era Afghan National Arrested on Terrorism Charges
Patel: Heroic National Guard Soldiers Captured Shooter, Prevented Further Tragedy After Troops Ambushed, Shot
Iryna Zarutska’s Boyfriend Rips Judge Who Let Chicago Burning Suspect Go After He Had Being Arrested 72 Times
James Patterson claims Marilyn Monroe was murdered in explosive new book theory
Florida’s Lawsuit Against Planned Parenthood Just the Beginning
Texas girl rescued after sand hole she was digging collapses, burying her
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.
