Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has indicated that a definitive shift by the Democratic Party against supporting Israel could lead him to leave the party. Fetterman stated on Wednesday at the Hill Nation Summit that while he has no immediate plans to change his party affiliation, an official "anti-Israel party" designation would constitute a departure.
"My long-term concern has been with the Democratic Party, as I am a member of that, is that our party is going to back away and turn their back to Israel," Fetterman said. He has consistently criticized the progressive wing of his party for its stance on Israel and its embrace of socialist ideas.
Fetterman's comments came on the same day that 103 House Democrats supported an amendment proposed by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., to cease $3.3 billion in defense aid to Israel. Among those who backed the amendment was House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass.
The Pennsylvania senator also addressed what he perceives as efforts by some Democrats to appeal to a segment of the party's base that holds strong anti-Israel sentiments. Polling data indicates that Fetterman faces a significant disapproval rating among Democratic voters in Pennsylvania, with a recent Quinnipiac University poll showing 69% disapproval compared to 19% approval. Conversely, a substantial majority of Republicans, 77%, approve of his job performance, while only 12% disapprove.
Despite overtures from Republicans to switch parties, Fetterman has publicly rejected such possibilities. In May, he authored an op-ed in The Washington Post asserting that his core values remain consistent with Democratic ideals, highlighting his pro-choice, pro-cannabis legalization, pro-LGBTQ rights, pro-SNAP, and pro-labor stances. He argued that his voting record aligns overwhelmingly with Democrats, making him an unsuitable candidate for the Republican Party.
Fetterman is not scheduled for reelection until 2028, and he has not yet announced whether he intends to seek a second term.