WASHINGTON

Senator John Fetterman delivered a video address to the Republican National Committee's midterm convention, praising fellow Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick and triggering a swift backlash from his own party.

The surprise appearance prompted Democratic leaders to openly question Fetterman's allegiance and speculate about his political future. Some Democratic operatives in Pennsylvania are already writing him off as a factor in his 2028 re-election race.

Fetterman issued a statement Wednesday defending his appearance. "I'm a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with my party—and should the Senate flip in November, I will still be the 51st vote that I ran on," he said.

But the damage was swift. Congressman Chris Deluzio, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said constituents are "pretty disappointed" with Fetterman and criticized him for spending time "going on rightwing media to bash the Democrats" rather than helping flip competitive congressional races.

Conor Lamb, the former representative whom Fetterman defeated in the 2022 Democratic primary, was blunter. He called the video "all the persuasiveness of a North Korean newscast." Lamb is among several Pennsylvania Democrats weighing a Senate bid in 2028 when Fetterman's seat is up. Party officials have "already assumed Fetterman is a non-factor" in that race, Lamb said.

Commentator Stephen A. Smith accused Fetterman of betraying his base. "Being part of a hype video at a Republican convention amounts to pretty much spitting in the face of Democrats who elected you to office," Smith said.

Not all Democrats abandoned him. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, a close ally, dismissed the uproar as a "waste of energy." Welch said Fetterman "votes with us 90% of the time" and remains "an important member of our caucus."

Republicans made no secret of their interest. McCormick publicly defended Fetterman during the backlash, signaling the GOP's broader recruitment effort. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that he and other Republican senators have had "conversations" with Fetterman and that the GOP "would welcome the opportunity" to have him join the party.