Pennsylvania Justice David Wecht Leaves Democratic Party Over Antisemitism

A Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice left the Democratic Party, saying he is no longer registered with any political party. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said he understood the decision.

Justice David Wecht, who won election as a Democrat in 2015, blamed the party for problems with antisemitism. From 1998 to 2001, before his judicial career, he served as vice chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. In the quarter century since, he said, the party has changed.

"Nazi tattoos, jihadist chants, intimidation and attacks at synagogues, and other hateful anti-Jewish invective and actions are minimized, ignored, and even coddled," Wecht said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. "Acquiescence to Jew-hatred is now disturbingly common among activists, leaders and even many elected officials in the Democratic Party."

"I can no longer abide this. So, I won’t. I am no longer registered within any political party," he added. Wecht hopes Pennsylvanians and Americans of all viewpoints will oppose Jew-hatred before it undermines what ancestors built.

Wecht joined the state high court in 2016 and was retained in a 2025 election.

Fox News Digital sought comment from the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.

Fetterman posted on X: "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."