Yudichak changing party to Independent

State Sen. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne/Carbon, said Tuesday that he will register as an Independent and caucus with the state's Republican majority.

In a statement detailing his party change, Yudichak said a rise in "purist" politics has caused failure on both sides of the aisle to act on behalf of Pennsylvania residents.

Yudichak referenced Abraham Lincoln's 1863 address at Gettysburg, the site of the Civil War's bloodiest battle, in his announcement. In his speech, which Lincoln delivered 156 years ago to the day, the former president advocated for unity in front of a nation ravaged by division. 

Yudichak said America has once again found itself rife with political polarization, except this time, "the new battlefield is in cyberspace," the politician said, and the weapons are "social media platforms."

"Registering as an Independent is the only way I can faithfully and fully serve the people of northeastern Pennsylvania who have blessed me with the opportunity to serve them," Yudichak said.

Speaking with the Times News following the release of his statement, Yudichak called his decision "a culmination" sparked by an "increasingly toxic" political sphere.

"The world is complicated," he said. "Politics is complicated. Issues and problems in our county are complicated. We need to work together from different view points."

As for any future bids for re-election, Yudichak said even as an Independent, his political fate will lie with the voters.

"People will decide," he said.

Yudichak, whose current term ends in 2022, will be the senate's sole Independent. His switch lessens the Democratic caucus to 21, while Republicans currently hold 27 seats.