Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) signaled Tuesday that Republicans are ready to roll out the welcome mat for Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), should the Keystone State Democrat decide to leave his party over its increasingly hostile posture toward Israel.
“Yes, we would welcome him,” Thune told reporters when asked if the GOP conference would embrace Fetterman. The South Dakota Republican revealed he has had multiple “conversations” with Fetterman about a potential party switch, echoing similar outreach from other GOP colleagues.
Thune: Democratic Party ‘Moving Further Left’
Thune argued that Fetterman’s centrist views on Israel and other issues increasingly put him at odds with the Democratic mainstream. “The Democratic Party is moving further and further, more radically, to the more extreme left on a lot of issues,” Thune said. “I think people like John Fetterman who have views that probably reflect a more moderate or at least historically moderate Democrat position are really people without a home. If he ever comes to the conclusion that he’s ready to move, we would certainly welcome it.”
Thune’s comments came after Fetterman declared at the Hill Nation Summit last week that he would leave the Democratic Party if it formally becomes “the anti-Israel party.” Fetterman said, “If our party ever becomes — and just makes it official — the anti-Israel party, that’s when I would leave because that’s been a moral clarity for me.” He expressed bewilderment at the growing criticism of Israel among progressive Democrats, calling the Jewish state “the most functional democracy in the Middle East.”
Fetterman Downplays Defection, But Lines Are Drawn
Despite the overtures, Fetterman has repeatedly downplayed the likelihood of switching parties. In a Washington Post op-ed in May, he wrote, “My values have not changed, and I have always turned to those kinds of ideals that defined being a Democrat.” He listed his continued support for abortion rights, cannabis legalization, LGBTQ+ protections, food assistance, labor unions, and even rib-eye steaks over “bio slop.” He added, “I refuse to cave on my conscience because Pennsylvania deserves someone who is honest and can work across the aisle.”
Still, Fetterman’s warning has fueled speculation about a potential defection, especially as he has increasingly clashed with progressives on Israel and other issues. Fetterman has drawn a firm line on Israel, warning he would quit the Democrats if the party abandons the ally entirely.
History of Party Switchers
The last two senators to leave the Democratic Party were moderates Joe Manchin (WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), who both became independents in 2024 and 2022, respectively. Both continued to caucus with Democrats. The Democratic caucus currently includes two independents: Bernie Sanders (VT) and Angus King (ME).
Pennsylvania has its own history with party switches: Senator Arlen Specter left the GOP in 2009 to become a Democrat, citing primary challenges. Thune, for his part, has been navigating his own political tightropes, including holding back endorsements in key GOP primaries and questioning former President Trump’s tariff policies.
For now, Fetterman insists he has “no plans” to leave. But Thune’s public invitation underscores the deep fissures within the Democratic coalition over Israel — and the GOP’s eagerness to exploit them.
