Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has called upon his fellow Democrats to revisit what he describes as the party’s traditional values. In a thought-provoking op-ed for The Washington Post on Thursday, Fetterman underscored his dedication to bipartisanship and critiqued the current trajectory of his party.
In the article titled “I Haven’t Changed. Here’s What Has,” Fetterman emphasizes the necessity of cross-party collaboration as the path forward. He asserts his commitment to representing all Pennsylvanians, irrespective of their political leanings. Highlighting his bipartisan initiatives, Fetterman cites his efforts on issues such as border security, government funding, Israel, infrastructure, and social programs, while dismissing pressures for uniformity within the Democratic ranks.
Recounting his entry into politics, Fetterman reflects on his narrow victory in a mayoral race in Braddock, a town he describes as economically distressed and largely depopulated. His political journey, he says, has always been focused on tangible outcomes and investments, not partisan skirmishes.
Fetterman expresses concern over the Democratic Party’s fixation on countering former President Trump, stating, “My party cannot simply be the opposite of whatever President Donald Trump says.” He advocates for constructive collaboration, suggesting that voters are more interested in pragmatic solutions than in political bickering.
Addressing immigration, Fetterman voices his support for a 2024 border bill aimed at preventing massive influxes akin to the size of Pittsburgh, referencing challenges faced during the previous administration. He also champions measures against fentanyl trafficking and highlights his role as the lead Democrat on the Laken Riley Act. On deportation, he firmly states, “someone who comes here illegally and commits a violent crime should be deported. Full stop.”
Additionally, Fetterman stands by his decision to vote against government shutdowns, arguing that essential workers and public services should not be leveraged in political standoffs. Acknowledging criticism from some Democrats, he explains that his votes were driven by the need to maintain government operations, which he deemed more critical than adhering to partisan strategies.
Fetterman devoted a significant portion of the op-ed to his support for Israel amid the war in Gaza and ongoing tensions involving Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. He wrote that he has “remained committed to fully backing the elimination of these terrorists and their leaders” and praised the administration for acting against threats posed by Iran and its proxies.
According to Fetterman, positions on border security, support for Israel, and opposition to government shutdowns that were once common within the Democratic Party have “become increasingly toxic” due to what he described as “catering to the fringe and agitated parts of our base.” He wrote that protesters have confronted him in Washington, DC, and outside his Braddock home, accusing him of being “a traitor” for his stances.
At the same time, Fetterman insisted he remains aligned with Democrats on several major issues, writing that he is “strongly pro-choice, pro-weed, pro-LGBT, pro-SNAP, pro-labor.” He also rejected the idea of switching parties, joking that he would “be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.”
The senator highlighted multiple bipartisan efforts with Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials. Fetterman said he worked with Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy to restore roughly $1 billion in transportation funding for Pennsylvania projects. He also cited work with Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) on infrastructure funding, including $600 million for rebuilding the Delaware River Bridge and improving the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Fetterman further pointed to bipartisan legislation with Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) involving SNAP eligibility for hot rotisserie chicken purchases, work with Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) on youth mental health legislation, and cooperation with Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) on expanding home repair programs nationwide.
The op-ed comes amid renewed discussion about Fetterman’s place within the Democratic Party. Earlier this week, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) responded to reports that some Republicans were encouraging Fetterman to leave the Democratic Party or become an independent who caucuses with Republicans. Shapiro said Pennsylvanians “voted for a Democrat to represent them in the United States Senate” and said Fetterman should “continue with his service to Pennsylvania, and, hopefully, get back to what he was elected to do and reflect the will of the people.”
CNN commentator Van Jones also defended Fetterman this week, saying it was “completely insane” that a Democrat who supports Israel and opposes “an open border” would now be viewed by some as fitting better within the Republican Party. Jones described Fetterman as “a moderate Democrat” and said, “We need people like that in this party.”
