Fetterman Shuts Down Party-Switch Speculation In Op-Ed: ‘Working Across The Aisle Is The Only Way Forward’

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) shut down reports that he is changing his party affiliation to Republican, writing in an opinion piece for The Washington Post that “working across the aisle is the only way forward.”

In the article, Fetterman said he has “no plans” to leave his party but described it as “fractured” and said Democrats “cannot simply be the opposite of whatever President Donald Trump says.”

“My values have not changed, and I have always turned to those kinds of ideals that defined being a Democrat. I remain strongly pro-choice, pro-weed, pro-LGBT, pro-SNAP, pro-labor and even pro-rib-eye over bio slop,” he wrote.

The op-ed comes after reports of outreach from some Republicans, including President Donald Trump, to lure Fetterman into switching parties or becoming an independent — a move that could affect the 2028 Senate race — in exchange for conservatives’ support.

Fetterman, a freshman senator who once identified as a progressive, is not up for reelection until 2028. But his history of voting moderately, publicly bashing Democratic colleagues and breaking with his party on key issues has placed him in increasingly isolated territory in the upper chamber.

His staunch support of Israel and the war in Iran, his frequent appearances on Fox News and his backing of several of Trump’s Cabinet nominees have also drawn heavy criticism from his party and speculation about a party switch.

But Fetterman rejected the idea, insisting his values remain the same.

“Being an independent voice that works with the other side to deliver for Pennsylvanians might put me at odds with the party that I have stayed committed to and have no plans to leave — but I will continue to put the commonwealth and the country first,” Fetterman continued.

“Plus, I’d be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.”