Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman faces party-switch speculation as 2028 race forms
The gist
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman says he is not changing parties despite growing distance from Democrats.
A Pittsburgh-area congressman is already positioning for his 2028 seat.
How it unfolded
- 2022Fetterman was elected to the Senate as a Democrat after a stroke during his campaign; he later went through a public battle with depression after taking office.
- Sep 9, 2026Fetterman appeared in a video at the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas, introducing Sen. Dave McCormick and praising Republicans.
- Sep 27, 2026Fetterman said it is "entirely possible" Democrats take back the Senate and said "let's revisit after the midterm" on his plans; he said he doesn't "have a reason to" leave the Democratic Party and "I am not a Republican."