WASHINGTON — Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) told the Washington Examiner he would not campaign against Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) if McCormick seeks re-election in 2030. Fetterman called McCormick a "great guy" and said, "I would never, ever move against my friend."
Fetterman stopped short of an endorsement, focusing instead on their friendship. A sitting senator pledging neutrality toward a home-state rival from the opposing party is rare.
The two senators formed a joint fundraising committee, Common Ground PA, last month. The committee has fueled speculation about Fetterman's political future and could give donors from both parties a vehicle to contribute to either senator's operations.
Fetterman said he has no intention of leaving the Democratic Party. "I'm not about changing my party. It's just, we are Team Pennsylvania, and we work together. And it happens to be there are donors that actually like that or support that," he said.
The stance marks a shift. During the 2024 cycle, Fetterman fundraised for Democratic incumbent Senator Bob Casey and attacked McCormick, calling him a "carpetbagger" over his years managing a hedge fund in Connecticut.
Since then, the two have grown close, co-sponsoring legislation and appearing in joint interviews. Fetterman, who once called Casey his "mentor," now uses that word for McCormick.
Fetterman's evolution has put him at odds with his progressive base. Elected as an avowed progressive, he now rejects that label and has clashed with fellow Democrats on Israel and the socialist candidates gaining ground in some Democratic primaries.
The friction with the left has made him popular on the right. Polls show Fetterman holds higher favorability among Pennsylvania Republicans than McCormick does.
McCormick's office did not respond to questions about whether he would extend the same courtesy to Fetterman if Fetterman runs for re-election in 2028. Fetterman has not announced his intentions for that race.
Fetterman said there is nothing "sinister" behind Common Ground PA, insisting the committee reflects a shared commitment to Pennsylvania.
