Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said he would not campaign against Republican Sen. Dave McCormick if his Pennsylvania colleague decides to seek a second term in 2030, pointing to the friendship the two senators have developed despite sitting on opposite sides of the political aisle.
Fetterman made the comments during an interview with the Washington Examiner after being asked whether he would support or oppose a potential McCormick reelection campaign four years from now.
“Well, I would absolutely never move against my friend,” Fetterman said, describing McCormick as a “great guy.”
Pennsylvania is one of only three states currently represented in the Senate by members of different political parties. Despite their partisan differences, Fetterman and McCormick have repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to work together.
The two senators have made joint media appearances, co-sponsored legislation and, in July, filed a joint fundraising effort.
Their new political action committee, Common Ground PA, allows donors to financially support both senators.
“This group of donors value the collaboration exhibited by Senators McCormick and Fetterman for Pennsylvania and want to support both of them,” a spokesperson told The Center Square.
McCormick has been similarly complimentary of his Democratic colleague.
During a Sunday appearance on “The Cats Roundtable” with host John Catsimatidis, McCormick praised Fetterman for challenging members of his own party.
“He’s willing to stand up and call out the craziness that’s happening in his party,” McCormick said, pointing to victories by progressive candidates in Democratic primaries during the 2026 midterms.
“It’s made him unpopular with some of the people in his party,” McCormick added.
The Republican senator said he was “lucky to have a good partner in Pennsylvania” and noted that some people have attempted to discourage him from publicly praising his relationship with Fetterman.
Fetterman, meanwhile, has emerged as a critic of democratic socialism and progressivism, with his support for Israel becoming a significant point of disagreement with some candidates and factions within the Democratic Party.
Speaking at the Hill Nation Summit, Fetterman said he currently has “no plans” to leave the Democratic Party. However, he made clear there is one development that could cause him to reconsider his affiliation.
“If our party ever becomes — and just makes it official — the anti-Israel party, that’s when I would leave because that’s been a moral clarity for me,” Fetterman said.
Republicans have already indicated that the door would be open if Fetterman ultimately made such a move.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said in late July that Republicans would “welcome” Fetterman into the GOP if the Pennsylvania senator decides to leave the Democratic Party.
For now, Fetterman remains a Democrat while making clear that his party affiliation will not compel him to campaign against a Republican senator he considers a friend.
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