Sen. John Fetterman Reaffirms He Will Remain a Democrat Amid Party-Switch Rumors
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Senator John Fetterman said he has no intention of joining the Republican Party, despite recent speculation fueled by his strong support for Israel and appearances at GOP events.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) told reporters on Capitol Hill on Tuesday that he will not change parties, saying a switch to the Republican Party would make him a liar. He added that his name is not on any ballot and urged observers to wait for the upcoming midterm elections.
Fetterman, who was first elected in 2022, has drawn attention for his vocal support of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, positions that have set him apart from many in his party. The speculation that he might leave the Democrats began in July after he suggested he could depart if the party’s platform became “anti-Israel.” Republicans have since invited him to consider a switch, and he appeared in a video at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas introducing Sen. David McCormick (R-Pa.).
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described Fetterman as “a very good member of Congress” and said he is respected by Democrats. A recent poll showed Fetterman’s approval rating among Democrats had fallen to 22% from 74% in May, while his favorability among Pennsylvania Republicans had risen.
Fetterman declined to comment on reports about a new X account allegedly run by former staffers or on a Wall Street Journal story that cited former staffers and lawmakers alleging he shows little interest in Senate duties. He called the reporting “smears” in a statement to CNN.
Sen. David McCormick defended Fetterman after the controversy, emphasizing the senator’s continued commitment to his current party.