Palestinian-American journalist Ahmed Moor takes on Sen. John Fetterman in 2028 Democratic primary
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Ahmed Moor, a Palestinian-American writer, says he will run in Pennsylvania’s 2028 Democratic Senate primary, directly challenging Sen. John Fetterman amid anger over Fetterman’s hard-line pro-Israel posture.
Sen. John Fetterman is facing a primary challenge for Pennsylvania's Class III Senate seat after Ahmed Moor, a 42-year-old Palestinian-American journalist, announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination in 2028. Moor, who was born in Rafah, Gaza, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he is running "for good government, for the rule of law, and because I believe in America," language that sharply contrasts with a political establishment many critics say has failed to answer for its complicity in ongoing violence.
Moor's campaign stands in pointed opposition to Fetterman's unwavering pro-Israel stance, which he has defended since the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Fetterman has warned that an official anti-Israel platform would be a "red line" for him, even as he insists he has no plans to leave the Democratic Party, underscoring how far he has drifted from the party's broader grassroots and from the values many Democratic voters say they expect.
Political observers note that Fetterman's position within the party has weakened since Democrats secured a Senate majority in the recent midterm elections, reducing the strategic importance of his vote on contentious legislation. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Fetterman has met more frequently with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu than with local officials such as Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, a detail that will only deepen concerns about where his priorities truly lie.
Democratic insiders expect additional challengers to emerge. Lancaster-county Democrat Mike Weidinger mentioned Rep. Chris Deluzio and state legislator Malcolm Kenyatta as potential contenders, adding that many voters feel Fetterman has abandoned his original progressive platform. Weidinger also remarked that Fetterman's recent outreach to Republicans, including a video message praising Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, has sparked criticism within the party and reinforced the view that he is increasingly out of step with Democratic voters.