John Fetterman says Democrats could win Senate, defers decision on 2028
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said Democratic Senate control is possible, while putting off answers on his political future until after the midterms.
By Frankie Delgado · News Reporter
2 min read
Sen. John Fetterman said Democratic control of the Senate after the midterms is “entirely possible,” while declining to settle questions about his own next move during an interview with CBS News’ Major Garrett at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin.
The Pennsylvania Democrat said his John Fetterman midterm plans and longer-term political future should be revisited after the election. He said he has been raising money but would decide later whether to seek reelection in 2028, according to CBS News reporting carried by Local 21 and Yahoo News.
Will John Fetterman leave the Democratic Party?
Fetterman said he had no reason to leave the Democratic Party and rejected the idea of becoming a Republican. He said he had “no path as a Republican,” citing his voting record and his positions on abortion rights and the LGBTQ community.
He did not rule out being in a consequential spot after the election. Fetterman said Democrats could win the Senate and raised the possibility that he could be the chamber’s 51st Democratic vote, while adding that he did not know what would happen.
Questions about a possible party switch have followed Fetterman after he appeared by video at a Republican midterm convention earlier this month. At that event, he introduced Pennsylvania’s Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and said he would work with President Trump on steel, according to the reports.
Fetterman points to disagreements within his party
Fetterman said his support for Israel and opposition to government shutdowns have put him at odds with parts of the Democratic caucus. He described those positions as putting the country ahead of party.
On Senate leadership, Fetterman said he expected Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to remain leader if Democrats take the majority, and said he would support Schumer.
The festival interview came as Fetterman faces continued attention over his political direction. His answer on Saturday offered a clear present-tense position on party affiliation, while leaving the larger question of his 2028 plans for after the midterms.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.