Fetterman denies plans to leave party despite Israel warning

Sen. John Fetterman, Pennsylvania Democrat, has again dismissed speculation that he might switch parties, telling The New York Times he would “never” leave despite saying two weeks earlier that an officially anti-Israel Democratic platform would force him out. 

Pressed on whether he might defect should November’s midterms produce a razor-thin Senate majority, Mr. Fetterman brushed aside the idea entirely. “Never,” he said. “I’m not being cute. I vote 90-something percent with Democrats.” 

The senator, who has become one of his party’s most vocal internal critics, took aim at its left flank, arguing that some members hold positions well outside the mainstream. He pointed to calls from some Democrats to eliminate immigration enforcement at the border, abolish prisons and do away with the Senate itself, comparing that platform to full-on communism, according to the Washington Examiner’s account of the interview. 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York Democrat, has been actively courting Mr. Fetterman to stay put, telling reporters this week that “people in our caucus very much like him and respect him and we’re a big-tent party.” Mr. Schumer added that the conference can accommodate “a lot of different views.” 

On the other side of the aisle, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, South Dakota Republican, has said Mr. Fetterman would be welcomed into the GOP conference should he ever decide to switch, though he stressed the decision rests entirely with the senator himself.

The renewed denials come amid persistent chatter on Capitol Hill about whether Mr. Fetterman might eventually register as an independent or cross the aisle, fueled by his public friction with the Democratic Socialists of America wing of the party and his outspoken support for Israel.