Fetterman Appears at GOP Convention, Denies Party Switch

Sen. John Fetterman called a Wall Street Journal report on his Senate conduct 'lies, half-truths, innuendos, smears.' The report drew on leaked text messages in which he declined constituent meetings and missed a funeral for three slain police officers.

• 2 in 10 Pennsylvania Democrats now view Fetterman favorably, per an August New York Times poll.
• 73% of Pennsylvania Republicans view him favorably, up from 25% two years ago.
• Fetterman accumulated missed Senate votes and committee hearings over the past year.
• He and Republican Sen. Dave McCormick launched a joint fundraising effort in July.

Why it matters: Pennsylvania Democrats face competitive races in November and say Fetterman would hurt their candidates. No Democratic campaign in the state has requested his involvement.

• Lehigh County Democratic chair Lori McFarland said Fetterman 'would bring us more harm than good.'
• Democratic strategist J.J. Abbott said Fetterman 'is antagonizing Democrats, seemingly for pleasure.'

How 62 sources split on this story

Where they split: The core dispute is whether the conduct described in the leaked texts reflects a senator failing his duties or a political hit by partisan staffers and party opponents.

What’s next: Rep. Chris Deluzio will decide after November whether to mount a 2028 Senate run against Fetterman.

• Fetterman has described any Democratic shift against Israel as a 'red line' that could push him out.
• Will Fetterman seek reelection in 2028, and will he campaign for Pennsylvania Democrats this fall?
• Do the leaked texts fully represent Fetterman's Senate conduct, or are key details missing context?