Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) sharply criticized Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) for his surprise video appearance at the Republican midterm convention, calling it a “stunt” that has left her constituents “livid.”
Speaking to reporters at a House Democratic event on Thursday, Dean did not hold back. “I will tell you from the ground from suburban Philadelphia, my constituents are livid,” she said. “Those who went out and knocked doors for him — they are absolutely livid.”
Fetterman's decision to appear in a prerecorded video at the GOP gathering on Wednesday, just before Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) took the stage, has sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party. In the video, Fetterman praised McCormick as a “friend” and a “commonsense Democrat,” while vowing to work with him and former President Trump to protect Pennsylvania's steel industry.
The move marks another step in Fetterman's drift from his party's progressive base, a stark contrast to the staunch progressive he portrayed himself as during his 2022 Senate campaign. According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, Fetterman has shown little interest in meeting with constituent groups, including a Philadelphia children's hospital concerned about Medicaid cuts and vaccines. Instead, he has reportedly focused on Israel advocacy and engaging with conservative media.
Dean, who briefly ran against Fetterman in the 2018 lieutenant governor primary, expressed disappointment in his Senate performance. “I got to know and really like him and his family and his values,” she said. “But what we have seen in his service as a senator is something very different than when I got to know around John. We can see in his work ethic that he's just not present. He doesn't participate much at all in his own committees, let alone attend them.”
Fetterman's actions have increasingly frustrated fellow Democrats. While he has suggested that bipartisanship is necessary in the current political climate, his antics have raised questions about his loyalty and commitment to the party's agenda. The Philadelphia Inquirer has slammed Fetterman as an 'embarrassment' amid his growing ties to Republicans, and Rep. Deluzio has criticized him as absent and divisive in Pennsylvania.
The video appearance has also fueled speculation about a potential party switch, with some commentators predicting Fetterman could leave the Democratic Party. However, Fetterman has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Democratic caucus, insisting he remains a Democrat.
Dean's remarks highlight the growing unease within the party over Fetterman's behavior. As the 2026 midterms approach, his relationship with his own constituents and colleagues will be closely watched.
