Fetterman’s Response to Wecht’s Party Departure

Senator John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) reacted to the news of Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht leaving the Democratic Party. Wecht cited a rise in anti-Semitism as a key factor, prompting Fetterman to emphasize the need for the Democratic Party to address this growing issue.

In a post on X, Fetterman shared a photo related to Wecht’s announcement that he is becoming an independent. While Fetterman has no plans to change his own party affiliation, he expressed understanding for Wecht’s “personal choice.”

“I know David and his legendary father, Cyril,” Fetterman mentioned. “I have no intention of changing parties, but I completely understand David’s decision. Democrats have to face the increasing problem of anti-Semitism within our ranks.”

Wecht stated he is “no longer registered with any political party,” expressing concern over the normalization of anti-Semitic sentiment among activists, leaders, and even some elected officials within the Democratic Party.

Reflecting on his past, Wecht remarked, “Before my judicial career, I served as vice chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party from 1998 to 2001. A quarter-century later, the Democratic Party has transformed.” He highlighted troubling instances of anti-Semitism being ignored, minimized, or tolerated within the party.

Wecht also shared a personal connection, noting that he and his wife were married at the Tree of Life congregation in Pittsburgh, the site of a tragic massacre of Jews in American history.

He remarked, “That fear came from the right. Jewish hatred has always lingered on the fringes. But over the years, it has increasingly transitioned from the fringes to the mainstream on the left.”

The reported shift to independence was noted to have minimal impact on the state Supreme Court’s balance of power.

Fetterman mentioned in an earlier CNN interview that although he is “proud to support Israel,” a significant portion of Democrats—about 80%—hold negative views of the nation.

He pointed out, “As you may know, Platner has a Nazi tattoo on his chest. Recently, it has come to light that he praised and celebrated videos of Hamas attacking Israeli soldiers.”