DALLAS — Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appeared by video at the Republican midterm convention on Wednesday, a move that is likely to deepen the already widening divide between the Pennsylvania senator and many in his own party.
In a prerecorded message that lasted a little more than a minute, Fetterman introduced Pennsylvania’s other senator, Republican Dave McCormick, praising him as “a great American.”
Fetterman did not single out any Democrat directly, but his remarks appeared to echo a central theme Republicans are pushing at their two-day gathering in Dallas: portraying Democrats as aligned with political extremes. The event is designed to energize conservative voters ahead of the midterm elections, a cycle in which the party holding the White House has often faced losses in Congress.
“I’m always going to stand with America,” Fetterman said. “I’m always going to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life.”
Speaking from in front of a steel mill, Fetterman also said he would “work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life,” tying his message to Pennsylvania’s industrial identity.
The appearance is expected to intensify speculation among Democrats who have already questioned whether Fetterman could eventually leave the party. Senate control remains at stake in November, with Democrats needing to gain four Republican-held seats to win back the majority. If Fetterman were to become a Republican, the party would need one additional pickup to control the chamber.
Fetterman later sought to shut down that speculation, saying in a statement Wednesday that he has no plans to switch parties. He described his video as an introduction for “a great American and friend,” adding, “We are in different parties, but we are both Team PA.”
“I’m a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with my party – and should the Senate flip in November, I will still be the 51st vote that I ran on,” Fetterman said.
Fetterman has grown increasingly isolated from his party as he maintains staunch support of Israel’s war in Gaza and criticizes left-wing candidates who are members of the Democratic Socialists of America. He’s often gone his own way in the Senate, voting with Republicans to end last year’s shutdown, supporting several of President Donald Trump’s nominees and opposing efforts to end the war in Iran.
He has repeatedly said he wouldn’t switch parties because of his support for labor unions, LGBTQ rights and other issues held dear by the left.
Even as a Democrat, he would hold outsized power in his caucus if Democrats secure a narrow 51-49 majority that requires them to stick together unanimously to exercise their power.
“How great is John Fetterman?” McCormick said when the video wrapped up. “Thank you, Senator Fetterman, for your friendship. Thank you for your courage. And thank you for all you do for Pennsylvania.”
Right after Fetterman’s video finished, it was shared on a White House social media account with the caption “Based John Fetterman.”
Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
