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Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht announced on Monday (May 11) that he is leaving the Democratic Party due to what he describes as "anti-Jewish" actions within the party. Justice Wecht, who was elected as a Democrat in 2015, has decided to become an independent, citing a rise in antisemitism among party figures.
In a statement, Wecht expressed concern over the "acquiescence to Jew-hatred" becoming disturbingly common among activists, leaders, and elected officials in the Democratic Party. He noted that antisemitism, which he once believed was more potent on the right, has grown on the left since the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. Wecht, who was married at the synagogue and served on its board, emphasized that this hatred has moved from the fringe to the mainstream.
Wecht criticized Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner, who revealed a Nazi-related tattoo while serving in the U.S. military. Although Platner disavowed its meaning and had it covered, Wecht highlighted this as an example of the party's failure to address antisemitism. He stated, "Nazi tattoos, jihadist chants, intimidation and attacks at synagogues, and other hateful anti-Jewish invective and actions are minimized, ignored, and even coddled."
Despite leaving the Democratic Party, Wecht assured that his judicial independence remains intact. He stated, "My jurisprudence and adjudication have always been independent, and they always will be. Now, my voting registration reflects that independence as well." Wecht's departure does not affect the balance of power in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, where Democrats hold a 4-2 majority.
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has not yet responded to Wecht's announcement.