Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 31
Fetterman Vows Never to Switch Parties as 4-Seat Senate Majority Fight Looms
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 31

Fetterman Vows Never to Switch Parties as 4-Seat Senate Majority Fight Looms

2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 31

Summary

  • John Fetterman said he would “never” switch parties, pushing back on speculation that the Pennsylvania Democrat could upset Senate control after the midterms.
  • A 4-seat Democratic gain could produce a razor-thin majority next January, making any potential defection unusually consequential in an evenly balanced chamber.
  • Fetterman fueled the talk by criticizing parts of his own party, skipping some party gatherings, building close Republican ties and creating a joint fundraising committee with Pennsylvania Republican Dave McCormick.
  • He also warned that an official Democratic turn against Israel would be a “red line,” echoing a 2001 precedent when Jim Jeffords left Republicans and briefly handed Democrats the Senate majority.

Insights

What do historical precedents reveal about the true impact of a single legislator shifting alignments?