Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego says that Republicans are actively attempting to sway Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman to the right, bluntly stating “of course” when asked if the GOP is trying to sway Fetterman their way.
These comments come as Fetterman faces growing criticism from fellow Democrats and questions about his health, while receiving unusual public support from Republican senators.
Newsweek reached out to Fetterman’s office via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
These cross-party dynamic highlights growing tensions within the Democratic Party and potential realignment pressures in Congress.
While Fetterman has repeatedly stated he will not change parties, the situation reflects broader ideological fractures, particularly around issues like Israel policy and tax legislation, that could impact Democratic unity during a politically divisive period.
What To Know
During an interview with Politico on Saturday, Gallego characterized the Republican outreach to Fetterman as “f***-f*** games,” a Marine Corps term for pointless exercises, while arguing Democrats should keep Fetterman “in their corner” despite disagreements.
“There needs to be space for Fetterman and for other senators in our caucus,” Gallego said. “He still is a senator that fights for working-class people.”
The Club for Growth, a conservative group, has launched television advertisements in Pennsylvania praising Fetterman as “standing up for every working family in PA” and urging him to support President Donald Trump’s tax cuts.
Fetterman has still voted against the budget blueprint that would extend these tax cuts and confirmed Friday he remains opposed to these efforts.
Despite this pushback, multiple Republican lawmakers, including Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, have publicly defended Fetterman against what they characterize as unfair attacks regarding his health and political stances.
This GOP defense comes after reports that current and former staffers are concerned about Fetterman’s mental and physical health following his stroke in 2022.
Fetterman’s health has been a focal point since he suffered a stroke just days before winning the primary for Pennsylvania’s open Senate seat in the 2022 midterm elections. The former Pennsylvania lieutenant governor went on to defeat Republican Mehmet Oz in a key Senate victory for Democrats despite the concerns about his health.
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