Fetterman says Democratic Senate control is possible

Senate outlook

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said Democrats could win control of the U.S. Senate in the midterm elections, despite Republicans’ current 53-seat majority.

Speaking with CBS News’ Major Garrett at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Fetterman called a Democratic takeover “entirely possible.” His comment was an assessment of the party’s prospects, not a prediction about the election’s outcome.

Fetterman referred to the possibility that he could become the 51st senator in a Democratic majority. He said his 2022 victory in Pennsylvania showed why his seat could matter to the party’s ability to control the chamber.

Pennsylvania is represented by Fetterman, a Democrat, and Sen. Dave McCormick, a Republican. Wisconsin also has one senator from each major party. Maine has a Republican senator and an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

Questions about Fetterman’s future

Fetterman also deferred questions about his political plans until after the midterms. Asked whether he might leave the Democratic Party, he said he had no reason to do so and stated that he is not a Republican. He also said he has no path within the Republican Party.

The questions followed Fetterman’s video appearance at a Republican midterm convention, where he introduced McCormick and pledged to work with President Donald Trump on steel. Fetterman has also split with many Democrats on Israel and government shutdowns, describing those differences as putting the country before his party.

Asked whether he would seek reelection in 2028, Fetterman said he had been actively raising money but would make his plans clearer after the midterms. He also said the direction of the Democratic Party would factor into his thinking.