While state Sen. John Yudichak says he will register as an independent, he will caucus with the Senate Republican majority. In the statement announcing his decision, Yudichak laments what he calls “purist” politicians who impose litmus tests and promote an us versus them mentality.
Yudichak’s district includes the counties of Carbon and parts of Luzerne, counties that went heavily for Donald Trump in 2016. His decision leaves Democrats with 21 seats in the 50-member state Senate.
One seat, in a Republican district, is currently vacant.