Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) criticized Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) on Thursday, September 10, 2026, following his video appearance at a Republican National Committee (RNC) event. Speaking to reporters at a House Democratic event, Dean characterized the appearance as a "stunt" and stated that constituents in her suburban Philadelphia district were "livid" about the senator's actions.
The criticism followed Fetterman's recorded message played Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during the RNC’s midterm convention in Dallas. In the video, which preceded remarks by Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Fetterman identified himself as a "commonsense Democrat," called McCormick a "friend," and described him as a senator who "gets the job done." Fetterman stated he would work with McCormick and Donald Trump to protect Pennsylvania's steel industry.
Dean, who ran against Fetterman for lieutenant governor in 2018, said Fetterman’s current service is "very different" from the person she previously knew. She questioned his work ethic, alleging he is "just not present" and does not participate in his assigned committees. Dean added that it was up to Fetterman to decide whether he should remain a member of the Democratic party.
The shift in Fetterman’s approach involves changes in how his office engages with constituents and policy. Reports indicate the senator has prioritized advocacy for Israel and meetings with conservative media outlets over meetings with some constituent groups, such as a Philadelphia children’s hospital concerned about Medicaid cuts and vaccines. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals.
The timing of this friction coincides with the RNC’s midterm convention, an event designed to coordinate strategy as elections approach. Fetterman’s stated willingness to work with Donald Trump on steel industry protections marks a departure from standard party-line voting. Whether this leads to formal changes in party membership or committee assignments remains to be seen as the midterm campaign season progresses.