The Pennsylvania Working Families Party has announced plans to challenge Senator John Fetterman in the upcoming 2028 election. The progressive grassroots political organization expressed its intentions via social media, stating, “We’re primarying John Fetterman.” The party criticized Fetterman for his recent vote that they claim undermines working-class Pennsylvanians.
Last week, Fetterman cast a pivotal vote alongside Senate Republicans in favor of a budget bill that, according to the party, threatens healthcare access for over 400,000 residents of Pennsylvania. This budget package allowed the government to reopen after a shutdown lasting 43 days, yet it did not extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire at the end of the year. This decision has drawn ire from fellow Democrats who had previously sought to keep the government operational in order to ensure the continuation of these crucial health benefits.
Throughout the shutdown, Fetterman positioned himself against some of his party colleagues, asserting that they were responsible for the government closure. Just ahead of the expiration of SNAP benefits for millions of Americans, he released a video emphasizing his stance. “Shut our government down and America loses,” Fetterman stated on social media. “2 million Pennsylvanians depend on SNAP to feed their families. For me, it’s hungry Americans over party.”
The Pennsylvania Working Families Party has characterized Fetterman’s actions as aligning him with “Trump-enabling corporate Democrats.” They are now committed to finding a candidate to run against him, reflecting their belief that he has turned away from the interests of working-class citizens. “Senator Fetterman has turned his back on us, and that’s why the Pennsylvania Working Families Party is committed to recruiting and supporting a primary challenge to him in 2028,” the party stated.
This organization, which previously endorsed Fetterman during his successful Senate campaign in 2022, has not yet identified a specific challenger but plans to conduct “candidate trainings” across Pennsylvania to prepare potential candidates.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the outcome of this primary challenge will be closely watched, especially among voters concerned about healthcare and social welfare issues. The Pennsylvania Working Families Party aims to garner support from residents disillusioned by Fetterman’s recent decisions, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the state’s political framework.
For those with insights or tips, reach out to Elaine Mallon at [email protected] and follow her on social media at @MallonElaine. Content from The National Desk is provided by Sinclair, the parent company of FOX45 News.
