Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) on Wednesday night quashed speculation about a party switch, confirming he will continue to caucus with Democrats even after a prerecorded video message aired at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas.
In a statement released after the video played, Fetterman said his remarks were meant to introduce fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick (R) as “a great American and friend.” He stressed that while they belong to different parties, they are both “Team PA,” citing their joint efforts to bring federal dollars to the state, improve transportation, and support affordable housing and the “Steel Way of Life.”
The Pennsylvania Democrat, who was not listed on the event's agenda, appeared via video to introduce McCormick, who spoke in person on the convention's opening night. In the recording, Fetterman praised McCormick as “the kind of senator that gets the job done,” highlighting their collaboration on revitalizing Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector, an effort also backed by President Trump.
Fetterman's relationship with McCormick has drawn attention in political circles. The two senators launched a joint political action committee, Common Ground PA, in July, aiming to attract donors who support both lawmakers. Fetterman called McCormick a “great friend,” underscoring a cross-party alliance that has raised eyebrows among his Democratic colleagues.
Fetterman's latest move is part of a broader pattern of breaking with his party. In July, he was the only Democrat to vote against a war powers resolution that sought to force President Trump to end U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict. That vote came just days after Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) publicly invited Fetterman to join the GOP, saying he and other Republicans had already approached the Pennsylvania senator about switching sides.
Earlier that summer, Fetterman said at a political summit that he would leave the Democratic Party if it “turned its back on Israel entirely.” Such comments have fueled ongoing speculation about his party loyalty, though he has repeatedly insisted he remains a Democrat.
In his statement, Fetterman emphasized his voting record: “I’m a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with my party—and should the Senate flip in November, I will still be the 51st vote that I ran on.” This appears aimed at reassuring Democrats that he will not undermine their agenda if the party loses control of the chamber.
Fetterman's popularity among Republicans is notable. A late August poll from The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena University found that 73 percent of Pennsylvania Republicans viewed Fetterman favorably, compared to 22 percent of Democrats. He also fared better among GOP voters than McCormick, who was viewed favorably by 63 percent of Republicans.
The video appearance at the RNC convention, which also featured GOP leaders branding Democrats 'communists', underscores Fetterman's willingness to engage across party lines, even as he maintains his Democratic identity. The convention, part of the GOP's midterm push, saw Trump rallying Republicans in Dallas as the party gears up for November.
While some Democrats have criticized Fetterman for his bipartisan overtures, his supporters argue that his appeal to Republican voters could be an asset in a closely divided state. As the midterms approach, Fetterman's position as a potential swing vote in the Senate remains a key storyline, with experts noting that the election won't heal the nation's political divisions.
