Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania recorded a short video message for a Republican midterm convention, Headline USA reported, introducing fellow Pennsylvanian Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and calling him “a great American.”
What he said
According to Headline USA, Fetterman’s video ran just over a minute and included lines casting Democrats as “extremists.” In the clip, he said, “I’m always going to stand with America. I’m always going to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life.”
Headline USA also reported that, standing before a steel mill backdrop, Fetterman added he “will work with President Trump to fight and defend the steel way of life.” A clip of the remarks was posted on X by the account Rapid Response 47 on Sept. 9, 2026.
Why it matters
The appearance, per Headline USA, marked an escalation in tensions between Fetterman and his party and stirred fears among Democrats that he could switch parties. The outlet reported that Democrats would need to pick up four GOP-held Senate seats in November to regain a majority, and an additional seat if Fetterman joined the GOP.
Fetterman’s denial
Later Wednesday, Fetterman issued a statement saying he will not switch parties, according to Headline USA. He said he recorded the video to introduce “a great American and friend,” adding, “We are in different parties, but we are both Team PA.”
“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,” Headline USA quoted him as saying.
