Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman is facing mounting criticism from members of his own party, as divisions grow over his positions on several high-profile issues, including his support for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, his stance on Israel, and his openness to voter ID requirements, as reported [1] by Fox News.
The backlash has intensified in recent days, with some Democrats publicly questioning Fetterman’s alignment with party priorities and even calling for him to step down.
The criticism marks a notable shift for a lawmaker who was once widely embraced by progressives and closely associated with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., drew attention during a recent event when she contrasted her working relationship with Fetterman to that of Republican Sen. David McCormick.
“I have more success in working with the one on the R side of the aisle than I do with the D side of the aisle,” Houlahan said, referring to McCormick.
The remark prompted a negative reaction from the audience, as Houlahan spoke against the SAVE America Act, a Republican-backed proposal that includes voter ID requirements and other election-related changes.
While she acknowledged that requiring identification is not inherently unreasonable, she argued that the legislation itself was flawed.
Fetterman, for his part, has maintained support for voter ID measures while opposing broader provisions within the bill. In a March 17 statement, he said he would vote against beginning debate on the legislation.
“Stop turning this into a Christmas list and attacking vote-by-mail,” Fetterman said.
Tensions escalated further last week when Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., called for Fetterman’s removal following his role in confirming Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary.
“Once again, Senator Fetterman shows why he is Trump’s favorite Democrat,” Boyle said.
“He needs to go.”
Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., also criticized Fetterman’s position on Mullin, arguing that it signaled a break from the interests of his constituents.
“If you needed any more proof that Fetterman has completely abandoned his constituents, here it is. Pennsylvanians deserve a Senator that actually fights for them,” Ryan said.
Fetterman defended his decision, pointing to his previous stance on leadership at the Department of Homeland Security and his working relationship with Mullin.
“In January, I called on the president to fire [Kristi] Noem — and he did. I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open mind,” Fetterman said.
“We need a leader at DHS. We must reopen DHS. My ‘aye’ is rooted in a strong, committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security.”
The growing divide highlights a broader shift in Fetterman’s political positioning.
Once known for his progressive advocacy as Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor — including support for marijuana legalization and criminal justice reform — he has increasingly taken positions that put him at odds with the party’s left flank.
Fetterman has also drawn attention for remarks criticizing his own party, recently stating that it is “governed by TDS” — Trump Derangement Syndrome — and emphasizing that he would not label Republican opponents as “fascist” or invoke comparisons to the Third Reich.
His evolving stance has created friction with former allies while drawing scrutiny from Democrats who once viewed him as a reliable progressive voice.
At the same time, Fetterman has described maintaining a civil relationship with former Republican opponent Dr. Mehmet Oz, who now serves as the federal Medicaid administrator.
The internal disputes come as Democrats continue to debate the direction of the party ahead of upcoming legislative battles and elections, with Fetterman’s role now a focal point in those broader divisions.