Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht, who was elected to the court as a Democrat in 2015, announced this week that he’s leaving the Democratic Party due to what he called an “acquiescence to Jew-hatred” from prominent Democrats.
Wecht is becoming an Independent. His party switch leaves four Democratic justices on the seven-seat bench.
U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), who recently was called a “traitor” by the Monroe County Democratic Party in Pennsylvania for his repeated support for numerous Trump administration policies and cabinet officials, responded to Wecht’s decision on social media.
Fetterman wrote: “I know David and his legendary father, Cyril. As I’ve affirmed, I’m not changing my party—but I fully understand David’s personal choice. The Democratic Party must confront its own rising antisemitism problem.”
I know David and his legendary father, Cyril.
As I’ve affirmed, I’m not changing my party—but I fully understand David’s personal choice.
The Democratic Party must confront its own rising antisemitism problem. pic.twitter.com/arxEUy5Ro9
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) May 11, 2026
[NOTE: Cyril Wecht was Chairman of the Allegheny County Democratic Party (1978-1984).]
In his statement, David Wecht took a swipe at Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner, and wrote, “the Democratic Party has changed,” and added, “Nazi tattoos, jihadist chants, intimidation and attacks at synagogues, and other hateful anti-Jewish invective and actions are minimized, ignored, and even coddled.”
[NOTE: Members of both parties have expressed concerns about rising antisemitism. In March, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said he’d seen more prejudice against Jewish people “in the last 18 months on the right than at any point in my lifetime.” Cruz warned that “it is gaining real purchase, especially with young people.”]
What a shock this is!
Fetterman loves appearing on Fox more than he does actually serving in the Senate & representing Pennsylvanians. Whether/if he runs as a D or an R, he will lose, bigly. tRump’s endorsement would be a GIFT to the Dem candidate in the primary or general. https://t.co/k2JImYLv25 — Monroe County PA Democratic Party (@MonroePaDems) May 4, 2026
Earlier this month, when it was reported that President Trump allegedly offered Fetterman a full endorsement and financial backing to switch parties, the Monroe County Democrats wrote: “What a shock this is! Fetterman loves appearing on Fox more than he does actually serving in the Senate & representing Pennsylvanians. Whether/if he runs as a D or an R, he will lose, bigly. tRump’s endorsement would be a GIFT to the Dem candidate in the primary or general.”
What a shock this is!
Fetterman loves appearing on Fox more than he does actually serving in the Senate & representing Pennsylvanians. Whether/if he runs as a D or an R, he will lose, bigly. tRump’s endorsement would be a GIFT to the Dem candidate in the primary or general. https://t.co/k2JImYLv25 — Monroe County PA Democratic Party (@MonroePaDems) May 4, 2026
Conservative lawyer Ron Coleman, a Fetterman supporter, replied to the Senator’s empathy with Wecht, writing: “They’re going to kick you out, just as they did to Lieberman. Why give them that?”