John Fetterman appears in video at GOP midterm convention

Sep 9, 2026

Democratic Senator John Fetterman sparked intense backlash from his own party after appearing in a surprise video at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on September 9, 2026. In the video, Fetterman endorsed Republican Senator Dave McCormick, rejected "socialism" within the Democratic Party, and pledged to work with President Donald Trump to protect Pennsylvania's steel industry. While Republicans praised his bipartisanship, Pennsylvania Democrats like Chris Deluzio and Malcolm Kenyatta condemned Fetterman as a "lazy Benedict Arnold," amid polling showing his approval among home-state Democrats has plummeted to 22%.

Fetterman video at GOP convention

▪Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania delivered a surprise pre-recorded video message at the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas on September 9, 2026
▪Senator John Fetterman's video message at the Republican midterm convention lasted approximately one minute and was filmed in front of the Mon Valley Works steel mill in Pennsylvania

McCormick endorsement by Fetterman

▪Senator John Fetterman introduced Republican Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania in the video, calling McCormick a "great friend" and "the kind of senator that gets the job done."
▪Senator Dave McCormick and Senator John Fetterman previously ran against each other in Pennsylvania's 2022 Senate race and formed a bipartisan joint fundraising committee in July 2026

Rejection of Democratic socialism

▪Senator John Fetterman described himself in the video as a "commonsense Democrat" and stated he would always reject "extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life."
▪Senator John Fetterman criticized left-wing candidates who are members of the Democratic Socialists of America, distancing himself from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party

Pennsylvania steel industry defense

▪President Donald Trump cleared the way in 2025 for U.S. Steel to be acquired by Japan-based Nippon Steel, despite initial opposition from Senator John Fetterman and other lawmakers
▪Senator John Fetterman stated in his video that he would work with President Donald Trump and Senator Dave McCormick to defend the steel industry in Pennsylvania's Steel Valley

Democratic Party criticism of Fetterman

▪Former Representative Conor Lamb, who lost to Senator John Fetterman in the 2022 Democratic primary, compared Fetterman's video to a "North Korean newscast" and noted state officials view him as a non-factor for 2028
▪A New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena University poll released in August 2026 found that only 22% of Pennsylvania Democrats view Senator John Fetterman favorably, while he is viewed more favorably by Republicans
▪Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta condemned Senator John Fetterman on X, calling him "Benedict Arnold, but lazy" and urging him to do his job or resign
▪Pennsylvania Democratic Representative Chris Deluzio criticized Senator John Fetterman on X, calling him "too lazy to do it in person" and stating Fetterman is making it harder for Democrats to win

Party-switching speculation

▪Senator John Fetterman's video appearance fueled fears among Democrats that he might switch parties, which would complicate Democratic efforts to regain the Senate majority in the November midterms
▪Senator John Fetterman has previously stated he would only consider leaving the Democratic Party if it officially becomes an "anti-Israel party."
▪Senator John Fetterman released a statement after the video reiterating that he is a "lifelong Democrat" who will remain the 51st Democratic vote if the Senate flips in November