Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said he has no plans to leave the Democratic Party despite growing tensions with fellow party members and overtures from Republicans.
Fetterman’s relationships with Republican senators have strengthened as disagreements with Democrats have intensified since he took office in 2023. Pennsylvania GOP Chair Greg Rothman suggested last month that Republicans might back Fetterman’s reelection if he switched parties.
President Donald Trump also encouraged the possibility during an appearance with Sean Hannity, saying the host should push Fetterman to become a Republican. Trump hosted Fetterman and his wife at Mar-a-Lago following Trump’s November 2024 election victory.
Fetterman’s Commitment to Democrats
Fetterman addressed speculation about a party switch in a Washington Post opinion piece, writing “I have stayed committed to and have no plans to leave” the Democratic Party.
“Plus, I’d be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats,” Fetterman wrote, noting that Democrats have shifted positions on issues like Israel support and government funding that he prioritizes.
Despite voting with Democrats most of the time, Fetterman has publicly disagreed with party leaders on government shutdowns, Iran policy, immigration enforcement, and other matters.
Breaking With Party on Maine Senate Race
Fetterman sharply criticized Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner during a Fox News appearance, questioning why party members embraced him despite personal controversies.
“If he was a Republican, how would Democrats describe him?” Fetterman asked on “The Ingraham Angle.” “They would declare that this guy is a degenerate.”
Fetterman specifically referenced allegations about Platner’s personal conduct and a Totenkopf tattoo that Platner later covered after learning of its Nazi associations.
“You know, he cheats on his wife, and he has Nazi tattoos,” Fetterman said. “We’re the party of pearl-clutching, and now we’ve embraced it because, well, we don’t have a choice.”
The Maine Contest
Platner secured the Democratic nomination for Senate in Maine this week and will face longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins in November. His campaign has been overshadowed by multiple controversies involving old online comments and reports of sexually explicit messages while married.
Fetterman rejected suggestions he would support Collins despite his criticism of Platner. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority, and Democrats need to gain four seats in November to reclaim control.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Staff contributed to this report.
