Fetterman Corrects Himself After Saying ‘Lifelong Republican’

Sen. John Fetterman said he was a Democrat after briefly calling himself a “lifelong Republican” during an exchange at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Texas. The Pennsylvania senator’s remark came in response to an audience member asking why he would not become an independent; he immediately corrected himself after moderator Major Garrett interjected. Fetterman acknowledged that the exchange would attract attention, then restated that he meant Democrat. The moment was captured in a video clip, but it does not establish that he intends to change his party affiliation. Fetterman said at the festival that he was not contemplating becoming a Republican and had no reason to leave the Democratic Party. The question arose amid ongoing discussion about Fetterman’s political identity and his disagreements with some Democrats. He has criticized parts of his party while continuing to identify as a Democrat. The festival exchange, by itself, offered no evidence of a party switch. Fetterman also discussed his support for Israel, an issue he said has contributed to tensions with members of his party.