Full Breakdown
Fetterman Says He Won’t Campaign Against Pennsylvania GOP Senator Dave McCormick
8/13/2026, 11:49:15 AM
Core Event: A pledge of neutrality for the 2030 Senate race
Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) will run for a second term in 2030. While announcing a joint fundraising committee, Common Ground PA, that accepts donations for both “purple-state” senators, Fetterman stopped short of endorsing McCormick, stressing the arrangement does not signal a partisan shift.
Background & Context
Pennsylvania joins Maine and Wisconsin as a state with split Senate representation. The two senators were opponents in 2022—McCormick lost the Republican primary to Dr. Mehmet Oz, while Fetterman won the Democratic seat. Since then they have co-sponsored legislation, appeared together in media interviews, and in July launched the Common Ground PA PAC to pool bipartisan donor support. Fetterman has denied rumors of a party switch, calling such speculation “absurd.”
Data & Statistics
A recent Quinnipiac poll shows Fetterman holds a 69 % disapproval rating among Democratic voters and a 77 % approval rating among Republicans.
Official Statements & Responses
- Fetterman reiterated his neutrality, saying he is “not about changing my party” and that the joint fundraising effort is simply “Team Pennsylvania” working together.
- McCormick praised Fetterman for “calling out the craziness” in the Democratic Party.
- Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) noted Fetterman votes with Democrats 95 % of the time despite holding minority views on Israel and some Trump appointees.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said many Republicans would welcome Fetterman should he join the GOP, but the choice is his.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) defended Fetterman’s Democratic voting record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well, I would absolutely never move against my friend,” — Sen. John Fetterman
- “He’s willing to stand up and call out the craziness that’s happening in his party,” — Sen. Dave McCormick
- “I’m not about changing my party,” — Sen. John Fetterman
Why It Matters
The friendship between a Democratic and a Republican senator from the same state offers a rare example of bipartisan cooperation in a polarized Senate. Their joint fundraising may attract donors who value cross-party collaboration, while Fetterman’s refusals to switch parties highlight internal tensions within the Democratic caucus.
What’s Next
Fetterman’s term ends in 2028; McCormick’s runs in 2030. Both senators say they will continue collaborative initiatives through Common Ground PA while preparing for their respective re-election campaigns.
