Sen. John Fetterman snapped at reporters who asked whether he might switch to the Republican Party amid renewed attention to his appearances with GOP figures. He emphatically rejected the suggestion, saying he will remain a Democrat and urging reporters to "wait till the midterm." Fetterman's joint fundraising with Republican Dave McCormick, frequent Fox News appearances, and occasional votes with Republicans have fueled the speculation. The Wall Street Journal also reported former staffers alleging he showed "disdain" for routine duties, including an alleged cancellation of a meeting with three paralyzed veterans to take a TV interview.
Sen. John Fetterman Rebukes Reporters Amid Speculation He May Switch Parties
John Fetterman is a regular guest on Fox News and raised eyebrows by appearing in a video at last week’s Republican midterm convention. / Screengrab/Fox News
Democratic Senator John Fetterman, 57, sharply rejected questions about whether he might switch to the Republican Party after reporters pressed him about his ties to MAGA figures and his public appearances with GOP leaders.
Walking through the Capitol on Tuesday, Fetterman largely ignored reporters until one asked, "The way the Democratic Party is going right now, is there a chance you could become a Republican, sir?" That question appeared to strike a nerve.
"I'm not going to be a Republican!" Fetterman shouted, shaking his head. He continued, "Why can't you guys just wait till the midterm? ... I've always been a Democrat. It's like, no matter how many times I say that, I'm still getting asked."
The reaction comes after Fetterman appeared in a video at a Republican midterm convention to introduce Pennsylvania’s other senator, Republican Dave McCormick. Standing in front of a steel mill, Fetterman described himself as a "common-sense Democrat," criticized "extremes of socialism," and said he would work "with President Donald Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life."
Fetterman released a statement clarifying that he would not leave the Democrats if they take the Senate following his appearance at the GOP midterm convention. / X
Fetterman is not up for re-election until 2028. He has launched a joint fundraising effort with McCormick and has frequently appeared on Fox News, where he has criticized more liberal Democratic candidates. Although he generally votes with Senate Democrats, he has occasionally sided with Republicans on certain measures, including some war-powers resolutions related to Iran and on government spending bills.
At the same time, Fetterman has faced scrutiny over reports that he is disengaged from constituent work. The Wall Street Journal, citing interviews with multiple former staffers, reported that he expressed "disdain" for routine duties of the office. One incident alleged by the Journal said Fetterman canceled a meeting with three paralyzed military veterans who had traveled to Washington, D.C., to see him so he could take a television interview instead.
Fetterman has repeatedly denied plans to leave the Democratic Party. Before Tuesday's exchange, he told the Washington Examiner, "I know Democrats are frustrated with me, but I will remain one, and that's where I'm at."
Why It Matters
Fetterman's public comments and cross-party appearances have fueled speculation about his political alignment and raised questions among Democrats and constituents about his priorities and engagement. The episode underscores tensions within the Democratic Party over ideological direction and electability ahead of the midterms.
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