Fetterman and McCormick Launch Joint Fundraising Committee
Democratic Senator John Fetterman and Republican Senator Dave McCormick have formed a joint fundraising committee, sparking speculation that Fetterman may switch parties.
The two U.S. senators from Pennsylvania, John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, have created a joint fundraising committee named Common Ground PA, as revealed in Federal Election Commission filings. This bipartisan move has raised questions about Fetterman's political allegiance, given his recent shift away from progressive positions.
Fetterman, who once championed progressive causes and backed Bernie Sanders, has increasingly aligned with Republicans on key votes. He was the only Democrat to support several of Donald Trump's cabinet nominees and has endorsed parts of the administration's immigration and Iran policies. This has drawn criticism from fellow Democrats.
Political analysts have speculated that Fetterman might switch parties. Rick Wilson, a longtime political consultant and anti-Trump activist, predicted a flip, while Pennsylvania political writer Nick Field said such a move seems more likely each day. Democratic strategist Mike Nellis advised that Democrats should treat Fetterman as a Republican going forward.
Despite the speculation, Fetterman stated in a Washington Post op-ed that he has no plans to leave the Democratic Party, emphasizing his willingness to work across the aisle. He noted that he still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.
Both senators have approval ratings below 50%, with Fetterman at 46% and McCormick at 37% according to a Quinnipiac poll. Their next re-election bids are in 2028 and 2030 respectively. Fetterman's campaign reported nearly $2 million in cash on hand.
This development comes amid Fetterman's broader shift toward centrist bipartisanship, which has made him a controversial figure within his own party. The joint fundraising committee is an unusual arrangement that could further strain his relationship with Democrats.
