Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman dismissed the Working Families Party’s announcement that it will support a primary challenge against him, joking that any opponent from the left would only make him look “reasonable.” The group accused Fetterman of betraying working-class voters after he backed a budget bill to reopen the government, but the senator defended his vote on Fox News, calling the criticism “an absolute lie.” He argued that keeping the government open was essential to protect SNAP benefits for millions of Americans and ensure pay for the military, Capitol Police, and other federal workers.
Fetterman, who ran as a progressive in 2022, has increasingly clashed with members of his own party over issues including immigration, foreign policy, and the government shutdown. He sharply criticized Democratic leaders for allowing the shutdown to drag on, saying it harmed ordinary Americans and violated his core values. Despite tensions, Fetterman has insisted he remains committed to the Democratic Party, though he admitted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer never contacted him about the shutdown and suggested that “no one really knows” who is leading the party at the moment.
Highlighting his consistent position, Fetterman said he has always supported keeping the government open, arguing that Americans should not be used as political leverage.