In a surprising turn, Pennsylvania Democrats are wrestling with internal discord as Sen. John Fetterman faces mounting criticism from within his party.
According to AP News, halfway through Fetterman’s six-year Senate term, tensions are rising over his cooperation with President Donald Trump and his apparent divergence from Democratic resistance efforts, while former primary opponent Conor Lamb reemerges as a vocal figure across the state.
Fetterman, elected in 2022, captured voters with his relatable, everyman charm and sharp, unconventional style. His victory over Lamb in the Democratic primary for Senate was decisive, winning by more than a two-to-one margin. Since then, Fetterman has served as a senator with a term that extends until 2028, giving him a lengthy runway in office.
However, dissatisfaction has brewed among some party members and progressive groups in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state. Fetterman’s willingness to work with Trump and his criticism of Democratic protests against the president have sparked frustration. This discontent has been evident on social media, at events like the “No Kings” rally in Philadelphia, and within party circles.
Progressives have also taken issue with Fetterman’s staunch backing of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a divisive topic among Democrats. Criticism intensified after Trump took office, with some questioning Fetterman’s alignment with the president and his commitment to party values. Recently, Democrats have raised concerns over Fetterman’s apparent support for Trump’s military actions in Iran, further fueling the divide.
Last month, the steering committee of Indivisible PA, a progressive group, publicly called for Fetterman to step down. At a Pittsburgh event, progressives attempted to host a town hall with Fetterman or first-term Republican Sen. David McCormick. Instead, the senators held a private event at a downtown restaurant to mark McCormick’s book release, prompting backlash.
After the private event, progressive organizers hosted their gathering, inviting Lamb and a local Democratic state representative. Lamb, a former U.S. Marine and federal prosecutor, has since seen a surge in invitations to speak at Democratic events. He has attended at least a dozen town halls and party functions, covering over 2,000 miles across Pennsylvania’s diverse regions.
Lamb often headlines these town halls, sometimes stepping in for Fetterman, while offering subtle critiques of the senator. His visibility extends to social media, local radio, and appearances on MSNBC, where he recently condemned a military parade ordered by Trump on June 14. At a recent event in central Pennsylvania, Lamb quipped to the crowd, “I thought I was going to play Senator Fetterman.” Attendees at these events have expressed mixed feelings about the situation within the party. “It hurts,” said John Abbott, who attended a suburban Harrisburg event, reflecting the disappointment felt by some Democrats. Janet Bargh, another attendee, noted, “That he’s doing these town halls is a good indication that he’ll be running for something, so it’s a good thing.”
Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, spoke at the Philadelphia rally, asking, “We’re looking to the leaders who will fight for us, because even today there are folks among the Democratic Party who think we should roll over and play dead.” She continued, “Anyone seen John Fetterman here today?” Dana Kellerman, a Pittsburgh-based organizer, added, “Showing up matters and it really does make a difference.” Kellerman also questioned, “Is that going to matter to John Fetterman? I really don’t know.” She further mused, “I don’t know what he’s thinking. I don’t know if he’s always been this person or if he’s changed in the last two years.” Meanwhile, Fetterman has pushed back against the criticism, insisting he remains a loyal Democrat.
He argues that his role as a senator includes engaging with Republicans, as he was elected to do so. Fetterman has also questioned why Democrats target fellow party members with such fervor. His office, however, declined to comment on Lamb’s recent activities and growing presence. Despite the criticism, Fetterman has not fully aligned with Trump, occasionally voicing opposition to the president’s policies. He has described Trump’s tariffs as harmful to allies and criticized Republican proposals to cut social safety net programs. These stances show a complex balance in Fetterman’s approach to bipartisan issues.
Lamb, for his part, has made it clear he is not currently seeking office but is focused on broader goals. He stated he aims to “stop this slide that we’re on toward a less democratic country and try to create one in which there’s more opportunity for people.” At a town hall, Lamb also reflected on his 2022 loss, saying, “When I watch the person who beat me give up on every important issue that he campaigned on ... the more I reasoned that the point of all of this in the first place is advocacy for what’s right and wrong.”
He continued, “And advocacy for not just a particular party to win, but for the type of country where it matters if, when you stand up, you tell the truth.” Lamb often faces questions about a potential rematch with Fetterman but deflects by noting the senator’s three years left in office. Instead, he shifts focus to Democratic strategies for upcoming elections in 2025 and 2026.
Lamb has also acknowledged the core of Democratic frustration with Fetterman, stating, “And that is, I think, what’s driving the frustration more than any one particular issue.” He hears frequent complaints that Fetterman spends too much time critiquing fellow Democrats rather than challenging Trump. This sentiment underscores the broader tension within Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party as it navigates national opposition to Trump.
As Lamb continues to engage with communities across the state, his reemergence signals potential shifts within the party. While Fetterman’s term runs until 2028, the current discord could shape future Democratic strategies in this pivotal state. For now, Pennsylvania Democrats remain divided, searching for unity amid competing visions for their party’s future.