Fetterman Says He ‘Absolutely’ Won’t Campaign Against Republican Friend Dave McCormick

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman says he has no intention of campaigning against fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick when the Republican is up for reelection, highlighting the unusually close relationship between the two senators from opposing parties.

Fetterman made the declaration when asked whether he would support or oppose McCormick when the Republican seeks another Senate term in 2030. While stopping short of formally endorsing McCormick, Fetterman made clear he would not help Democrats defeat him.

“Well, I would absolutely never move against my friend,” Fetterman said. He later doubled down on the point, saying he would “never, ever” campaign against McCormick and describing the Republican senator as a “great guy.”

The relationship has become one of the more unusual alliances in Washington. Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states represented by senators from different political parties, but Fetterman and McCormick have frequently emphasized their friendship rather than treating each other as political enemies.

Their alliance recently became even more notable when the senators formed a joint fundraising committee. The arrangement potentially allows supporters from both sides of the political aisle to contribute to their political operations and further demonstrates the extent of their cooperation.

The partnership has also fueled recurring speculation that Fetterman could eventually leave the Democratic Party. The Pennsylvania senator has repeatedly rejected those rumors and continues to identify himself as a Democrat despite frequently breaking with members of his party.

Fetterman has increasingly frustrated progressives with his positions on Israel, immigration, government funding and other major issues. His willingness to criticize fellow Democrats has simultaneously helped him build an unusual level of support among Republican voters.

McCormick has returned the loyalty. The Republican has defended Fetterman against attacks from Democrats and praised his willingness to take positions that may be unpopular within his own party.

The two senators nearly became general election opponents in 2022. McCormick competed for the Republican Senate nomination that year but narrowly lost the primary to Mehmet Oz, who subsequently lost the general election to Fetterman. McCormick returned two years later and defeated Democratic Sen. Bob Casey to claim Pennsylvania’s other Senate seat.

Their reelection schedules mean the friendship will not face an immediate electoral test. Fetterman is next scheduled to face voters in 2028, while McCormick’s seat will be on the ballot in 2030.

For now, Fetterman is drawing a clear personal line despite their partisan differences. Whatever Pennsylvania Democrats decide to do when McCormick seeks reelection, Fetterman says they should not expect him to join the effort against his Republican friend.