Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) stated on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, at the Hill Nation Summit in Washington, D.C., that he has no plans to leave the Democratic Party but would do so if it officially became an "anti-Israel party."

"My long-term concern has been with the Democratic Party, as I am a member of that, is that our party is going to back away and turn their back to Israel," Fetterman said. "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 acknowledged that serving with this stance has become "increasingly lonely," but he believes it is necessary. He also emphasized his pride in serving all Pennsylvanians despite being elected as a Democrat.

The senator criticized the direction of recent Democratic primaries, saying, "You look at the kinds of individuals that are winning our recent primaries," and added, "We forgot the crazy things that we said, and that cost us the election in 2024."

Fetterman took aim at fellow Democrats who supported progressive Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who ended his campaign following allegations of rape in 2021. He expressed anger over Senator Bernie Sanders’ forceful backing of Platner despite mounting evidence.

Additionally, Republican Dave McCormick launched a joint fundraising PAC called "Common Ground PA" this month, highlighting Fetterman's increasing breaks from Democratic Party votes since his 2022 election.

Sources