Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has drawn criticism from his own party after delivering a video address at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas. During the address, Fetterman praised his fellow Pennsylvanian, Republican Dave McCormick, who is running for Senate.
"Dave McCormick is the kind of senator that gets the job done, and he's going to fight for Pennsylvania," Fetterman stated in the video. "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. So, for everybody in Dallas, I'm here to introduce Dave McCormick."
Fetterman briefly mentioned former President Donald Trump, referencing the "iconic U.S. Steel Mill" behind him and stating that McCormick "will work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life right here in the Steel Valley."
The speech has been met with a strong negative reaction from Democrats. Fetterman has previously faced clashes with party leadership but has downplayed suggestions of leaving the Democratic Party.
In July, Fetterman outlined a potential condition for leaving the party, stating at The Hill's Nation Summit that he would depart if Democrats officially became an "anti-Israel party." He expressed concern about the Democratic Party potentially turning its back on Israel, noting that 103 House Democrats voted against providing aid to Israel in July, with 10 more voting "present."
Also in July, Fetterman confirmed that Republicans had approached him about switching parties, but he declined to discuss these conversations, describing them as "private."
Earlier this year, Fetterman supported the Trump administration's decision to strike Iran. In May, he told Politico that he was "not changing" his party affiliation, stating, "I'm a Democrat, and I'm staying one."
Fetterman and McCormick established a joint political committee earlier this summer called Common Ground PA, intended to raise funds from donors supporting both senators. Recent polling suggests Fetterman is performing better with Republicans in Pennsylvania than with his own party and is leading McCormick in potential matchups.