Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht has announced his departure from the Democratic Party, opting instead to register as an unaffiliated voter. This change, made in a personal capacity, emphasizes his discontent with the party’s response to antisemitism.
Wecht remarked, “From 1998 to 2001, I served as Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Over the last 25 years, the party has undergone significant changes. Anti-Jewish sentiments, including Nazi tattoos and jihadist chants, are now often minimized or even tolerated.” He stated that he can no longer support a party that coddles such hatred.
He emphasized that his professional role will remain unaffected by this shift. “My jurisprudence and adjudication have always been independent. My voting registration now mirrors that independence,” Wecht added.
In addressing the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh—where he had a personal connection—Wecht highlighted that similar hatred has intensified on the left, escalating from the fringe to mainstream. He called it “the duty of all good people to fight this virus, and to do so before it is too late.”
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht says he left the Democratic Party, arguing “Jew-hatred” has become “disturbingly common” within it. pic.twitter.com/bg0PW8TsjG
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Wecht’s history with the Democratic Party spans over 25 years. He was the vice chair from 1998 to 2001, prior to embarking on his judicial journey.
Elected to the Supreme Court in 2015 as a Democrat, he is set to serve until December 31, 2035, after winning retention in November 2025. His family ties to the Democratic Party also run deep, with his late father, Cyril Wecht, being a notable figure in Allegheny County politics.
Despite his political stance, Wecht remains steadfast in his commitment to his role on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. “I am confined to a judicial role, where I uphold independence in all matters,” he stated.
While justices are elected on partisan lines, they are expected to operate independently once in office. Wecht has assured that he will serve out his term and make decisions strictly based on law.
This decision alters the partisan makeup of the seven-member court, which previously had a 5-2 Democratic majority.
