As tensions simmer within the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Sen. John Fetterman finds himself at the center of a brewing storm over his independent political stances.
According to Breitbart, growing divisions among party members are setting the stage for a potential challenge in the 2028 Senate primary, with several prominent Democrats considering a run against Fetterman due to his divergence from party norms on key issues like immigration and Israel.
Earlier this year, Fetterman made headlines by meeting with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, a move that drew both criticism and praise. Trump later called him "a commonsense person," highlighting a rare bipartisan nod. Fetterman defended the meeting, stating, "no one is my gatekeeper."
In June, Fetterman further distanced himself from Democratic mainstream views during a public statement on the Israel-Hamas conflict. He accused some party members of having "sided with the Hamas regime" and insisted they "lost that argument." He also asserted that Hamas "doesn’t have the kind of values" aligned with American ideals. This bold stance on Israel, coupled with his claim that the country was not committing genocide, stirred unease among party leaders.
Throughout the year, Fetterman has clashed with fellow Democrats over immigration and border policies. He became the first Democratic senator to co-sponsor the Republican-led Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention of certain undocumented immigrants charged with crimes.
Fetterman explained his support for the act, saying, "no family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to preventable violence." He has also opposed calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling such efforts "inappropriate and outrageous." He emphasized that ICE "performs an important job for our country," further highlighting his break from progressive Democratic positions. This stance has fueled frustration among party members who favor more lenient immigration policies.
In September, Fetterman addressed Democratic rhetoric about Trump during a CNN interview. He urged his party to "stop saying Trump is acting like an autocrat" and noted that disagreeing with Democrats doesn’t equate to supporting fascism.
He added, "A lot of Americans happen to disagree with you, that does not mean they are fascists." This commentary underscored his willingness to critique party narratives, even at the risk of alienating allies. Fetterman also shared a study recently showing a 30-year high in left-wing terrorism. He warned that "unchecked extreme rhetoric, like labels as Hitler or fascist, will foment more extreme outcomes" and stressed that "political violence is always wrong — no exceptions."
Earlier this month, he congratulated Trump for brokering what he called a "historic peace plan" between Israel and Hamas. Fetterman praised Trump’s "ironclad commitment to Israel," a move that again placed him at odds with many Democrats.
Amid these controversies, several high-profile Pennsylvania Democrats are eyeing a 2028 Senate primary challenge. Reps. Brendan Boyle and Chris Deluzio, along with former Rep. Conor Lamb, are among the potential contenders, according to political insiders.
Rep. Boyle has openly criticized Fetterman, labeling him "Trump’s favorite Democrat" and accusing him of going to Mar-a-Lago to "kiss the ring." Boyle noted he had "been quiet" but felt compelled to speak due to Fetterman’s impact on how congressional Democrats are perceived. Rep. Deluzio, meanwhile, has not ruled out a Senate bid. A person close to him described a potential run as a "good look" if Fetterman opts not to seek reelection.
Despite the internal party friction, polls indicate Fetterman retains strong overall approval among Pennsylvania voters. However, a Quinnipiac survey revealed that a majority of Democratic voters in the state disapprove of his job performance. Fetterman remains defiant, recently texting Axios with a sharp "Enjoy your clickbait!" followed by "Please do not contact." He also emphasized his voting record, noting he aligned with Trump only 6% of the time compared to Boyle’s nearly 14%, saying, "ACTUAL NUMBERS, less clicks." At a recent town hall, Fetterman discussed expiring healthcare tax credits, pointing out they were "designed" by Democrats to end this year. He clarified it "was not something taken from anybody by the Republicans."
He also expressed reluctance to support a government shutdown over the issue. "In a period of chaos, I refuse to vote to shut our government down," he said. Fetterman urged dialogue, adding, "Now, let’s have a conversation to extend it and not shut our government down." His focus on practical solutions reflects his broader approach to governance. As 2028 approaches, the widening divisions within the Pennsylvania Democratic Party signal a contentious primary ahead. Fetterman’s independent streak, while appealing to some voters, continues to alienate key party figures.
Deluzio, for his part, has prioritized maintaining a working relationship with Fetterman, saying it "matters more than taking opportunistic shots." Yet, the undercurrent of tension remains palpable. Fetterman’s guiding principle, as he puts it, is to "follow country, then party." This mindset may define his political future as much as it shapes the current discord. Whether this approach will sustain his position or invite a stronger challenge remains to be seen. For now, Pennsylvania Democrats are watching closely as the 2028 race begins to take shape.