Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged Sen. John Fetterman to stay in the Democratic caucus on Wednesday, praising him as a “very good” member of Congress despite growing tensions between the Pennsylvania senator and progressive Democrats. Asked directly whether he wants Fetterman to remain a Democrat, Schumer responded: “Yes, and he is a very good member of Congress.”
Schumer’s appeal came after Senate Majority Leader John Thune revealed last week that Republicans have held conversations with Fetterman about switching parties. “I have had conversations with him in the past as have many of my colleagues about the challenges he faces in his caucus,” Thune told reporters, adding that Republicans would welcome Fetterman into their conference if he decides to leave.
Fetterman has become increasingly isolated within the Democratic Party, particularly over his strong support for Israel. In mid-July, he warned he would leave the party if it officially becomes “anti-Israel,” citing concerns about growing hostility to Israel among far-left progressives. “If our party ever becomes — and just makes it official — the anti-Israel party, that’s when I would leave because that’s been a moral clarity for me,” he said at the Hill Nation Summit.
Polling shows the depth of Fetterman’s predicament within his own party. A Quinnipiac University survey of Pennsylvania voters found that 48 percent approve of how Fetterman is handling his job while 41 percent disapprove. However, the same poll revealed a stark partisan divide: 77 percent of Republicans approve of his performance, while 69 percent of Democrats disapprove. Most strikingly, 52 percent of Pennsylvania Democrats said they would like to see Fetterman leave the Democratic Party.
Schumer sought to reframe Fetterman’s independence as an asset rather than a liability. “People in our caucus very much like him and respect him and we’re a big-tent party,” Schumer said. “We can have a lot of different views in that party.” Thune, by contrast, argued that Fetterman might be more comfortable with Republicans because the Democratic Party is “moving further and further, more radically, to the more extreme left on a lot of issues.”
Fetterman’s isolation extends beyond Israel policy. He has sided with Republicans on votes involving government spending, Iran policy, and national security matters. In April 2026, he was one of seven Democratic senators to join all Republicans in opposing resolutions that would have restricted arms sales to Israel. More recently, he cast a sole Democratic vote against an effort to limit President Trump’s military actions against Iran, drawing sharp criticism from his party colleagues.
The senator has previously denied any plans to switch parties. In May 2026, he wrote an opinion piece stating he would not abandon the Democratic Party despite mounting pressure. Yet the escalating courtship from Republicans and the public polling showing majority support among Democrats for his departure suggest the pressure continues to mount.
Sources
- The Hill — Schumer’s direct statement urging Fetterman to stay, his praise of Fetterman as a “very good” member, and Schumer’s “big-tent party” comment
- The Hill — Thune’s statement about Republican conversations with Fetterman and willingness to welcome him
- The Hill — Fetterman’s warning about leaving if Democrats become anti-Israel, his concerns about progressive hostility to Israel
- The Hill — Quinnipiac University poll data: 48% approval, 41% disapproval overall; 77% Republican approval, 69% Democratic disapproval; 52% of Democrats want Fetterman to leave
- NBC News — Fetterman’s statement to NBC about frustration with the Democratic caucus and anti-Israel sentiment
