John Fetterman already has a Democratic challenger preparing an early bid for his Pennsylvania Senate seat.
Ahmed Moor, a 42-year-old Palestinian-American author, entrepreneur and democratic socialist, announced Monday that he will seek the Democratic nomination in 2028. He is the first declared challenger to Fetterman, who has not yet confirmed whether he will pursue a second six-year term.
Fetterman has grown increasingly isolated within his party because of his staunch support for Israel, his willingness to diverge from Democrats on major votes and his frequent criticism of progressives.
His standing with Pennsylvania voters has also raised questions about his political future.
Only 13 percent of voters held a favorable view of Fetterman in an October poll conducted by Quinnipiac University.
The senator also faced a public backlash from former staff members, who created an anonymous X account during the fall and threatened to reveal what they characterized as his behavior behind the scenes.
The former aides said earlier reports about Fetterman’s reluctance to meet constituents or attend official events represented only the “tip of the iceberg.”
A former deputy chief of staff separately alleged that Fetterman had to be repeatedly urged to meet Pennsylvanians and fulfill basic duties of the office.
Ahmed Moor, a 42-year-old Palestinian-American writer and businessman, entered the 2028 Democratic Senate primary Monday as the first declared challenger to Fetterman
Fetterman has become increasingly estranged from members of his party over his strong support for Israel, independent voting record and attacks on progressive leaders
Moor’s campaign fundraising website places opposition to US foreign policy at the heart of his platform, arguing that both parties have put foreign wars ahead of American families
Fetterman rejected the accusations, describing them as a “hit piece” produced by unhappy former employees.
In an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer before making his campaign public, Moor said he was responding to what he sees as a number of national “crises,” including foreign policy, rising living costs and disputes over constitutional power.
He said the recent victory of State Representative Chris Rabb helped inspire his campaign. Rabb became Pennsylvania’s first Democratic Socialist elected to Congress after winning his race this year.
“I’m hoping I can be part of the movement that reignites ordinary people’s passion and commitment to American democracy and to a better quality of life,” Moor said.
Moor’s fundraising website makes US foreign policy a central issue, accusing leaders from both parties of directing resources toward overseas conflicts while American households struggle at home.
He cites $21 billion in aid sent to Israel and $90 billion spent on the war in Iran, arguing that those funds would be better directed toward healthcare, public transit and stronger schools.
“It’s clear the United States funds wars based on corruption and lies and has turned its back on its own people,” Moor wrote, asking voters to help defeat Fetterman in 2028.
Moor has become a prominent critic of Israel’s military operation in Gaza and is calling for a sweeping change in US policy toward the country
He is also challenging Democratic leaders, saying he has “no faith” in Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Moor has expressed support for progressive lawmakers such as Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Representative Ro Khanna
Moor, who has never served in elected office, has become a vocal opponent of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and is calling for a fundamental overhaul of Washington’s relationship with the country.
His proposal would end US military assistance to Israel and impose sweeping economic sanctions until Palestinians receive equal rights.
“We need to do away with the idea that Israel is a place where Jews have superior rights relative to Palestinians,” Moor told the Inquirer.
He has also suggested legislation based on the 1986 Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act, which imposed broad economic sanctions on South Africa during the apartheid era.
Other elements of Moor’s platform include Medicare for All, universal free childcare, a wealth tax on billionaires and more aggressive investigations into alleged corruption in the Trump administration.
Moor is challenging the Democratic Party’s leadership as well, saying he has “no faith” in Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
At the same time, he has praised progressive figures including Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Representative Ro Khanna.
Born in Rafah, Gaza, Moor moved with his family to Philadelphia during childhood.
He began his career in New York finance before turning to journalism. Moor later relocated to Beirut, Lebanon, where he reported on politics and human rights, including the 2011 Egyptian revolution, for The Guardian and other outlets.
He then spent eight years in Jordan, where he co-founded and led Liwwa, a lending business that financed small companies in Jordan and Egypt.
Moor is a fellow at the Foundation for Middle East Peace and sits on the board of the Independence Public Media Foundation.
Although Moor has entered the race well ahead of the 2028 election, the Democratic primary could eventually attract several candidates.
Representatives Chris Deluzio and Madeleine Dean, both vocal Fetterman critics, are reportedly considering campaigns of their own.
Our News Outlet contacted Fetterman for comment.
