Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania says it’s “entirely possible” his party could win control of the Senate in the midterm elections. He told CBS News‘ Major Garrett at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin that Democrats face an uphill battle, but affordability issues under the Trump administration and the unpopular war with Iran have improved the picture for his party.
Fetterman delivered a crucial victory in a closely watched race in 2022. Now he’s looking ahead to November, and he’s not ruling out anything — including the prospect of being the 51st vote that gives Democrats the majority.
Midterm Plans From Fetterman
When Garrett asked about his plans after the midterms, Fetterman responded with a shrug: “Let’s revisit after the midterm.” He also said, “Let’s see what happens if I happen to be 51 — I don’t know.”
He added, “I am not a Republican,” but cautioned people to wait until after the midterm to “see what I do.” He also said he doesn’t “have a reason to” leave the Democratic Party.
The math is simple: Republicans currently hold the majority in the Senate, and the map appeared more favorable to the GOP. Democrats need to flip seats to reach the upper threshold. Pennsylvania is one of only two states with one Democrat and one Republican senator; Wisconsin is the other. That means the margin for error is small, and any loss would likely cost Democrats their chance to retake the chamber.
Party Friction on Display
Fetterman’s remarks come at a moment of strain within the Democratic Party. He shocked many Democrats by appearing at the Republican midterm convention earlier this month to introduce GOP Sen. Dave McCormick, vowing to work with President Trump on steel.
“I have no path as a Republican,” Fetterman said. He also noted, “There are no Republicans with a 90% Democratic vote line. There are no pro-choice, there’s no pro-gay community, that does not exist in the Republican Party.”
He repeated the point several times, asking, “How many times do I have to say it? And that’s the point. So wait until after the midterm and see what happens.”
The message is clear: he’s staying put, but he’s also making his own moves.
Schumer’s Leadership and the Class Question
Asked about Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remaining leader if Democrats take the majority, Fetterman said there’s no one making a move. He defended Schumer’s recruiting, saying, “If people are angry at Chuck Schumer, it’s undeniable, he has recruited an incredibly strong class.”
He also said, “I don’t sharpen blades for Chuck Schumer, and there might be some people there that refuse to say it, but it’s not helpful to go after our leader because we have no idea until we wait until the midterm.”
Fetterman called a Marist poll showing Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek up eight points in Iowa “shocking.” He also disagreed with recent government shutdowns, saying, “Do you think it’s right and smart to shut our government down? No, Democrats, we used to say, ‘No, never, never do that.'”
The Israel Test
Fetterman cited his commitment to Israel, noting “more and more members of my caucus are becoming more and more anti-Israel.” He said he’s “chosen to be country over the party, knowing that some of these decisions are going to put me at odds.”
He also asked, “Where’s the Democratic Party at right now?” pointing to attendance at an event with streamer Hasan Piker and “the energy” among the party.
On seeking reelection in 2028, Fetterman said he’s been fundraising but the decision will come after the midterms. He wants people to remember, “that’s why it’s mathematically possible to retain the majority.”
The Road Ahead
The midterm elections are still months away. Pennsylvania has flipped between supporting Democrats and Republican presidents in recent elections.
Fetterman is positioning himself as the man who made the math work. He’s betting that the party can hold its majority, and he’s positioning himself as the one who made it mathematically possible.
The question is whether Democrats can actually flip enough seats. The picture has improved for Democrats, but the map appeared more favorable to the GOP. That combination — a better political environment for Democrats and a difficult path for Republicans — is the reason Fetterman thinks a 51st Senate seat is within reach.
But Fetterman is confident. He says it’s “entirely possible” his party could win control of the Senate.
Whether that confidence holds remains to be seen.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Texas Tribune Festival interview | Not specified |
| Midterm elections | November 2026 |
| Decision on 2028 reelection | After midterms |
The Ballot Order
- The midterm elections will determine control of the Senate.
- Fetterman will decide whether to run for a second term after the midterms.
- The party will either hold its majority or lose it.
- The results will shape the 2028 election cycle.
Fetterman is betting on the former. Whether he’s right remains to be seen.
Source material: “Sen. John Fetterman says it's "entirely possible" Democrats take back Senate,” CBS News.
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