John Yudichak

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John Yudichak
Image of John Yudichak

Independent

Prior offices
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Pennsylvania State Senate District 14
Successor: Nick Miller

Education

Bachelor's

The Pennsylvania State University, 1993

Graduate

The Pennsylvania State University, 2004

Personal
Religion
Christian: Catholic
Contact

Campaign Facebook

Personal Facebook 

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John Yudichak (independent) was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing District 14. He assumed office on December 1, 2010. He left office on November 30, 2022.

Yudichak (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Pennsylvania State Senate to represent District 14. He won in the general election on November 6, 2018.

Yudichak completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.

On November 19, 2019, Yudichak announced he had switched his party registration to Independent and would begin caucusing with Republicans.[1]

Yudichak served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1998 to 2010.


Biography

Yudichak earned his B.A. in English from Pennsylvania State University in 1993 and his M.A. in American studies from Pennsylvania State University in 2004. His professional experience includes working as a legislative aide to Congressman Paul Kanjorski in 1994 and as the director of development at Osterhout Free Library from 1995 to 1998.

Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at:[email protected].

2021-2022

Yudichak was assigned to the following committees:

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2019-2020

Yudichak was assigned to the following committees:

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2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

Pennsylvania committee assignments, 2017
• Environmental Resources & Energy, Minority chair

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Yudichak served on the following committees:

2013-2014

In the 2013-2014 legislative session, Yudichak served on the following committees:

2011-2012

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Yudichak served on these committees:

2009-2010

In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Yudichak served on these committees:

Issues

Severance tax

In April 2014, Yudichak supported a severance tax on Pennsylvania's natural gas industry against the Corbett administration's opposition. “Regrettably, the administration drew a line in the sand and said there will be no severance tax on natural gas,” said Yudichak in an interview. “That policy is shortsighted, in my view.”[2]

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.


Elections

2022

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2022

John Yudichak did not file to run for re-election.

2018

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2018

General election

General election for Pennsylvania State Senate District 14

Incumbent John Yudichak won election in the general election for Pennsylvania State Senate District 14 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of John Yudichak
John Yudichak (D) Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
51,521

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 51,521
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 14

Incumbent John Yudichak advanced from the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania State Senate District 14 on May 15, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of John Yudichak
John Yudichak Candidate Connection
 
100.0
 
12,010

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.

Total votes: 12,010
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2014

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in that election was March 11, 2014. Incumbent John Yudichak was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Yudichak was unchallenged in the general election.[3][4][5]

2010

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2010

Yudichak did not seek re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2010 but won election to the District 14 State Senate seat. He defeated Tom Leighton in the May 18 Democratic primary and defeated Republican Stephen Urban and Libertarian Betsy Summers in the November 2 general election.[6]

Pennsylvania State Senate District 14
Candidates Votes
Green check mark transparent.png John Yudichak (D) 37,466
Stephen Urban (R) 26,212
Betsy Summers (L) 3,748

2008

See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2008

On November 4, 2008, Yudichak won re-election to the 119th District seat of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He ran unopposed in the general election and received 19,438 votes.[7]

Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 119
Candidates Votes Percent
John T. Yudichak (D) Green check mark transparent.png 19,438 100.0%

Campaign themes

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Candidate Connection

John Yudichak participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on June 19, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and John Yudichak's responses follow below.[8]

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

“ 1. Jobs 2. Education 3. Infrastructure Investment[9][10] ”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

“ 1. Economic Development 2. Afterschool STEM based programs 3. Higher Education 4. Environmental ConservationCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[10] ”

Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. John Yudichak answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

“ The inspiration for my political career remains my father, Joe Yudichak. As an Antrhacite miner and later a construction worker, my father’s blue collar roots did not impede him from becoming a local elected official and making a measurable impact on the communties of NEPA.[10] ”
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?
“ Franklin Delano Roosevelt ‘Champion of Freedom’ Conrad Black.[10] ”
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
“ 1. Ability to listen 2. Ability to connect and communicate with people 3. Ability to build coalitions that produce a consensus position and deliver tangible resutls[10] ”
What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?
“ Over the course of my career my greatest strength has been my ability to listen to citizens and translate their hopes and aspirations into public policy that empowers communities to improve the quality of life accross Pennsylvania.[10] ”
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
“ Core responsibilities of any elected official: 1. Maintain your oath to the constitution. 2. Respect the voice of the people. 3. Respect the institution of government.[10] ”
What legacy would you like to leave?
“ I hope my legacy will reflect a leader who was unremitting in his pursuit of a better life for the families of Pennsylvania - a leader dedicated to economic opportunity, social justice, and environmental stewardship.[10] ”
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at that time?
“ The energy crisis of the late 1970’s was the first historical event I recall from watching television and witnessing its impact on my family as an eight, nine year old boy.[10] ”
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
“ I was a waiter at age 15, and not a very good one. The job only lasted a few months.[10] ”
What happened on your most awkward date?
“ My date was driving, and I failed to pump gas into her car. Adding to my lack of chivalry, I turned to humor and asked if she would check the oil when she was done pumping gas. Needless to say, there was no second date.[10] ”
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
“ Thanksgiving. Food, Football, and family.[10] ”
What is your favorite book? Why?
“ Walt Whitman’s Leave’s of Grass. He’s the American Bard, and his poetry coincides with a unique time in America during the civil war,.[10] ”
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
“ Michael Corleone[10] ”
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
“ The deck, because of the beautiful view.[10] ”
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
“ Everybody Knows This is Nowhere. Neil Young & Crazy Horse.[10] ”
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
“ Time management.[10] ”
(For non-Nebraska candidates) What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
“ Having served in both chambers, the major difference is the size of the Senate (50 members) allows the chamber to be more deliberative and less partisan in developing policy.[10] ”
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
“ Previous experence is less important than the skills, values, and perspective you bring to the job.[10] ”
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
“ Demographic changes in many of Pennsylvania’s third class cities is a serious challenge to improving housing and economic opportunities in Pennsylvania.[10] ”
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
“ They relationship should reflect a direct-line of communication and a constant coordination of resources toward the common goal of a better Pennsylvania.[10] ”
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
“ Yes, I have spent my entire career building relationships with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.[10] ”
What process do you favor for redistricting?
“ Independent Commission.[10] ”
If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?
“ I have been the Democrat chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy committee for the last eight years. I have enjoyed developing policies that balance my support for energy jobs with environmental stewardship.[10] ”
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
“ State Rep. Tom Tigue. A former marine, Rep. Tigue was tough, fair, and fiercely independent in his thinking.[10] ”
Are you interested in running for a different political office in the future?
“ I am currently seeking a third term in the State Senate.[10] ”
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
“ Don Williams, son Eric, was a federal prison guard who was killed by an inmate. Don’s love for his son, and passion to protect prison guards who are often put in harms way is inspiring to me. Don created ‘Voices of JOE’ and has helped us pass meaningful prison reform in Pennsylvania.[10] ”

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

John Yudichak campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2018Pennsylvania State Senate District 14Won general$579,775 N/A**
2014Pennsylvania State Senate, District 14Won $559,247 N/A**
2010Pennsylvania State Senate, District 14Won $514,205 N/A**
2008Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 119Won $93,124 N/A**
2006Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 119Won $121,291 N/A**
2004Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 119Won $122,612 N/A**
2002Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 119Won $91,048 N/A**
2000Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 119Won $116,457 N/A**
1998Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 119Won $20,000 N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Pennsylvania

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Pennsylvania scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].




2022

In 2022, the Pennsylvania State Legislature was in session from January 4 to November 30.

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to civil rights and civil liberties issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues.
Legislators are scored on their adherence to the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution.


2021


2020


2018


2017


2016


2015


2014


2013


2012


2011

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Yudichak and his wife, Heather, have three children.

Noteworthy events

Tested positive for coronavirus on December 10, 2020

See also: Politicians, candidates, and government officials diagnosed with or quarantined due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
Covid vnt.png
Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.


On December 10, 2020, Yudichak announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.[11]


See also

External links

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Candidate

Pennsylvania State Senate District 14

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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Penn Live, "Pa. Dems lose a state senator: John Yudichak of Luzerne County declares himself independent, will caucus with GOP," November 19, 2019
    2. ↑ WatchDog.org, "Lawmakers still pushing for severance tax in Pennsylvania," accessed April 10, 2014
    3. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Official primary results for May 20, 2014," accessed July 9, 2014
    4. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "2014 Official Candidate Listing," accessed March 19, 2014
    5. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "2014 General Election," accessed December 5, 2014
    6. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "2010 General Election Results," accessed May 2, 2014
    7. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Official 2008 General Election Results," accessed April 15, 2014
    8. ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
    9. ↑ Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "John Yudichak's responses," June 19, 2018
    10. ↑ 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 10.22 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    11. ↑ ABC 27, "State Senator John Yudichak test positive for COVID-19," December 10, 2020

    Political offices
    Preceded by
    -     		Pennsylvania State Senate District 14
    2010-2022    		 Succeeded by
    Nick Miller (D)
    Preceded by
    -     		Pennsylvania House of Representatives
    1998-2010    		 Succeeded by
    -


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