U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA) is considering a primary challenge against incumbent U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) for the 2028 election. Deluzio, who currently represents Pennsylvania's 17th district, stated he is giving the matter "serious thought" but will wait until after the upcoming midterms to reach a final decision.
Deluzio and Fetterman campaigned together during their successful 2022 runs for their respective offices. However, Deluzio has recently criticized the senator's record, specifically citing Fetterman's support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his comments regarding a potential war with Iran. Deluzio, a Naval Academy graduate and Iraq War veteran, described Fetterman’s rhetoric on military conflict as a deciding factor in his potential challenge.
The representative also questioned Fetterman’s engagement with the state, noting that the senator had not held a public event in nearly a year. Fetterman has not yet announced his 2028 plans and did not respond to requests for comment. Other potential Democratic challengers mentioned in reports include Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA), and former Rep. Conor Lamb. Boyle said he will decide his 2028 plans later, while Lee’s spokesperson said she is focused on her current district.
For the ordinary resident, the outcome of this 2028 race will determine who represents Pennsylvania in the Senate for a six-year term, influencing votes on federal judicial nominees, international treaties, and domestic industrial policy. Deluzio has specifically highlighted his work on rail safety and reindustrialization, including securing $184 million for the Montgomery Locks and Dam project which is projected to create thousands of union jobs. Voters in red-leaning areas like Beaver County, where Deluzio outperformed other Democrats in 2024, would see a test of whether his "lunch-pail" political style can maintain a coalition between urban and rural districts.
The conflict reflects broader shifts within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy and legislative strategy. A contested primary would likely redirect millions of dollars in campaign spending toward Pennsylvania rather than other battleground states. Deluzio reported having already distributed more than $1.5 million to help other Democratic candidates, much of it within Pennsylvania. The next steps for this potential campaign depend on the results of the 2026 midterm elections, which Deluzio identified as the timeframe for his formal decision. No specific filing deadlines for the 2028 primary have yet been set.