Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) have launched a joint fundraising committee, a rare bipartisan move that intensifies questions about Fetterman's political alignment. The committee, named Common Ground PA, was formally established on Monday, according to Federal Election Commission records. It will collect donations benefiting both senators' campaigns, with their leadership PACs and principal campaign committees listed as participants. Politico first reported the formation.
Speculation About Party Switch
The development has sparked renewed speculation that Fetterman might leave the Democratic Party. Rick Wilson, a longtime political consultant and anti-Trump activist, predicted on social media: "He's gonna flip." Nick Field, a Pennsylvania politics writer, noted: "Fetterman caucusing with the Republicans in 2027, and even trying to run in 2028 with their support, looks likelier and likelier by the day." Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist, advised: "Democrats should assume that Fetterman is a Republican going forward, and we can't rely on his vote – especially when it comes to judges."
Fetterman's Shift From Progressivism
Fetterman built his reputation in 2016 as a vocal progressive and early backer of Bernie Sanders. However, he has steadily moved rightward, emerging as a bipartisan lawmaker who frequently collaborates with Republicans. Since Donald Trump's second term began, Fetterman has broken with Democrats on key issues: he was the only Democrat to support several Trump cabinet nominees, backed parts of the administration's immigration enforcement, and supported the US war with Iran. This has drawn repeated criticism from his own party.
Electoral and Financial Context
Fetterman faces re-election in 2028, while McCormick's next race is in 2030. According to the latest FEC filings, Fetterman for PA reported approximately $1.99 million in cash on hand. Despite representing opposing parties, the two senators have collaborated on multiple issues and publicly refer to each other as close friends. Last month, they appeared together in Philadelphia to encourage parents to sign children up for Trump accounts.
Approval Ratings
Neither senator holds majority approval among Pennsylvania voters. A Quinnipiac poll from February found 46% approved of Fetterman's job performance, while McCormick received 37% approval. In a May Washington Post op-ed, Fetterman wrote: "Being an independent voice that works with the other side to deliver for Pennsylvanians might put me at odds with the party that I have stayed committed to and have no plans to leave – but I will continue to put the commonwealth and the country first. Plus, I'd be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats."
