Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio has not ruled out a primary challenge to Sen. John Fetterman in 2028, saying he might mount a bid as tensions within the state party continue to simmer. In a Sunday appearance on NewsNation's "The Hill Sunday," Deluzio told host Chris Stirewalt that a run is possible, though he has yet to make a decision.
"I might, I haven't decided that," Deluzio said. "And to be really blunt, I'm doing everything I can right now to help Democrats in Pennsylvania flip congressional seats to give [Pennsylvania Gov.] Josh Shapiro a governing majority in the state Senate and grow the majority in the state House." His remarks come as Democrats look to regain ground in the commonwealth ahead of the midterms, with the party seizing on various issues to build momentum.
Deluzio, who represents a western Pennsylvania district, was sharply critical of Fetterman's engagement in the current campaign cycle. "John Fetterman's nowhere to be seen on the campaign trail," he said. "And again, to be very blunt, I don't think there's any Democrat in Pennsylvania who wants him campaigning with them, even if he wouldn't show up." He added that his focus remains on winning now, with 2028 decisions deferred until after the midterms.
The friction between Deluzio and Fetterman is part of a broader intraparty struggle. Fetterman, a first-term senator, has repeatedly broken with Democratic orthodoxy, voting with President Trump and Republicans on several key measures, including rejecting all Senate war powers resolutions related to Iran. His stance on Israel has also drawn fire, as he has defended the Israeli military's actions in Gaza and warned that he would leave the party if it became officially anti-Israel. A June AP-NORC poll found roughly half of Democrats believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, highlighting the divide.
Fetterman's commitment to his Senate duties came under fresh scrutiny after a Wall Street Journal report on Friday alleged he has been neglecting his responsibilities. Fetterman dismissed the piece as a "hit piece." Deluzio seized on the report, posting on X that Fetterman "has no sense of duty" and that Pennsylvanians "will do something about it in 2028." This follows previous criticism from Deluzio, who has called Fetterman a "lazy trust fund baby" and accused him of dodging disabled veterans and mocking hospital concerns.
The senator's voting record has also made him an outlier among Democrats. According to VoteHub data, Fetterman sided with Trump's position 28 percent of the time last year, the highest among Senate Democrats. His absence from the campaign trail has not gone unnoticed, and some Democrats worry his presence could hurt the party's chances in competitive races. As the party gears up for the midterms, Deluzio is among those pushing for a more cohesive and engaged Democratic front in Pennsylvania.
Whether Deluzio ultimately challenges Fetterman remains uncertain, but his public statements signal a growing frustration within the party's progressive wing. For now, he is directing his energy toward the immediate goal of flipping seats and supporting Shapiro's agenda, leaving the 2028 question open as the party navigates a contentious political landscape.
