Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said he has no reason to join Republicans and urged Democrats to make room for dissenting views, citing his support for Israel. He said speculation about his role in the next Senate should wait until after November’s midterms.
Fetterman’s breaks with Democrats on government funding and approving Trump’s nominees have fueled speculation he could leave, though he has repeatedly said he is a lifelong Democrat. A poll last month by The New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer and Siena University found nearly two-thirds of Pennsylvania Democrats viewed him unfavorably. He also disputed a Wall Street Journal report that he dodged constituent meetings and an Inquirer editorial calling him lazy, pointing to projects and spending he secured for Pennsylvania.
Earlier this month, Fetterman said he would still be the “51st vote” if Democrats take the Senate, referring to a tie-breaking vote. He has not decided whether to seek reelection in 2028 and said he is fundraising with that possibility in mind.
