Top-ranking Democratic Party officials in Pennsylvania are gearing up to run against Sen. John Fetterman in a 2028 primary contest, according to a report.
Big names in the state who could well run against the increasingly embattled incumbent include House Representatives Brendan Boyle and Chris Deluzio, along with former Congressman Conor Lamb, Axios reports, citing multiple inside sources.
Fetterman remains a formidable presence in his state, but party operatives question his approach, the report says.
None of the three names mentioned has ruled out running, in statements to the outlet.
Axios added it was not clear whether Fetterman, who is understood to have ambitions of running for the White House, plans to run again for the Senate or the presidency in 2028.
Boyle and Lamb, in particular, have been openly critical of Fetterman amid a deepening rift between the incumbent and other Democrats over his attitude toward Donald Trump since the MAGA leader assumed office for the second time in January.
Fetterman texted Axios saying, “enjoy your clickbait!” and requested “please do not contact” in response to follow-up questions. He also shared an article citing him as one of “the least Trump-aligned Democratic lawmakers in the state.”
Many party officials took deep issue with Fetterman’s Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trump ahead of his inauguration.
Though he denied rumors he may have been planning to switch parties at the time, he drew further ire later for suggesting, during an appearance on ABC’s The View, that Trump’s conviction in last year’s New York hush-money case was “politically motivated.”
Since then, Fetterman has repeatedly praised Trump on the MAGA administration’s approach to foreign policy and border security, in particular Iran and Israel.
Perhaps the fiercest point of contention has been in the aftermath of far-right activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Fetterman echoed calls for Democrats to tone down criticism of the second Trump administration. Many on the right have accused Democrats of contributing to the spread of political violence.
The Daily Beast has reached out to Fetterman’s representatives for comment on this story.
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