An elected justice on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, David Wecht, has left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent, citing what he described as the party's growing tolerance of antisemitism. Wecht, who is Jewish and previously served as the state's Democratic Party chair, said antisemitism has shifted from the political fringe to the mainstream within the party.

In his statement, Wecht pointed to incidents including Nazi symbols, anti-Jewish chants, synagogue attacks, and rhetoric that he believes have been minimized or ignored. He reflected on the 2018 massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, where he was married, and said that while antisemitism has long existed on the far right, he now sees it rising on the left as well.

His departure comes amid broader tensions within the Democratic Party over antisemitism, including controversy surrounding candidates and progressive figures accused of tolerating or amplifying extremist views. Recent data from the Anti-Defamation League shows that although overall antisemitic incidents declined in 2025 from the previous year, they remain near historic highs, with acts of violence reaching record levels. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman responded that while he is remaining in the party, he understands Wecht's decision and agrees that the party must confront the issue.