Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) appeared by video before Republicans at the GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, telling the room he is a “common-sense Democrat” who rejects socialism.
“A big room of Republicans in Dallas. Yes, I’m Senator John Fetterman, Pennsylvania. Yes, I’m a Democrat,” Fetterman said in the recorded message. “Why am I here talking to you today? Because, well, I’m a common-sense Democrat. I’m always going to stand with America. I’m always going to reject the extremes in socialism and that anti-American way of life.”
Fetterman used the appearance to introduce and praise Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA), his Republican counterpart from Pennsylvania, calling him a friend and highlighting their willingness to work together on behalf of the state.
“Dave McCormick is the kind of senator that gets the job done, and he’s going to fight for Pennsylvania. I’m proud to count him as my friend. Right back over my shoulder, that’s the iconic U.S. steel mill, and that’s exactly the kind of thing that will work together and will work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life right here in the Steel Valley,” Fetterman said.
“I have this opportunity to introduce this great American, a great senator, and yes he’s in a different party, but I’m proud to count him as my great friend,” he added.
The bipartisan warmth is a striking turn from 2024, when Fetterman campaigned against McCormick, backing Democrat Sen. Bob Casey and attacking McCormick as an outsider from Connecticut. After McCormick won the seat, Fetterman said he was ready to move past the campaign and work with him. The two senators and their wives, Gisele Fetterman and Dina McCormick, later had dinner together in Pittsburgh to discuss cooperating for the state. Fetterman said last month he would not campaign against McCormick going forward.
Fetterman has made clear he is not switching parties. In July, he said his stances on abortion, LGBTQ issues, and labor would not fit inside the GOP, even as he continues to break with fellow Democrats on issues like Israel.
“I don’t think that Republican Party wants a pro-choice, pro-gay, trans communities, federal union, and you look at my voting record…I disagree with my party on some issues, like Israel, for example,” Fetterman said. “But you know, I am a Democrat, and if someone is frustrated in the Democratic Party, I would be frustrated with someone like Bernie Sanders.”
