Democrat Sen. John Fetterman made a surprise appearance in a video shown at the Republican midterm convention Wednesday night in which he warmly introduced fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick, a Republican.
The appearance has fueled speculation in Pennsylvania that Fetterman could seek reelection as an independent in 2028.
“His support is so low among his fellow Democrats I am not sure he could hire any Democratic staffers or consultants to work for him, so that is off the table,” Chris Nicholas, editor of PA Political Digest, told Newsmax.
Nicholas added that “[r]unning as an Independent takes more signatures to make the ballot but you have a longer time frame in which to gather them, and voters of all parties may help you gather them and sign them.”
Nicholas’ view was echoed by veteran Pennsylvania conservative activist Lowman Henry, chairman and CEO of the Lincoln Institute.
“I would not be surprised if he runs as an independent,” Henry told Newsmax. “Right now, it looks like there could be a crowded field in the Democratic primary — [Rep.] Chris Deluzio teased a run last week. [Rep.] Brendan Boyle is seriously looking at it, as are [former Reps.] Conor Lamb [who lost the 2022 primary to Fetterman] and Susan Wild.”
“But don’t dismiss the credibility of him running as an independent,” Henry continued. “Pennsylvania is not a run-off state, so the winner in the general [election] only needs more votes than anyone else — not over [50%].”
Henry, Nicholas, and other Pennsylvania political observers say that, aside from his support for Israel and openness to working with McCormick and President Donald Trump, Fetterman’s overall voting record remains largely aligned with Democrats.
As with the late Democrat Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who was reelected as an independent in 2006, Henry and Nicholas said a switch to the Republican Party would be unlikely for Fetterman.
Republican Rep. Dan Meuser is reportedly exploring a 2028 Senate race, as is former Rep. Keith Rothfus.
Fetterman’s appearance drew significant attention on the convention’s opening night. In Nicholas’ words, “it is a sign that no one is better at manipulating the Attention Economy than John Fetterman, with the exception of the President.”
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
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