# Fetterman pushes back on party-switch talk

> After a surprise RNC video, John Fetterman rejected Republican-switch rumors while facing fresh staff criticism.
- Title: Fetterman pushes back on party-switch talk · Newsweek
- Summary: After a surprise RNC video, John Fetterman rejected Republican-switch rumors while facing fresh staff criticism. Fetterman says he remains a Democrat, but…
- Keywords: john fetterman, pennsylvania, democratic party, republican national convention, dave mccormick, donald trump, steel industry, party switch speculation, former staffers, senate duties, wall street journal, inquirer siena poll
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/john-fetterman-responds-questions-after-rnc-speech-staffer-allegations-12447145
- Published: 2026-09-15T23:26:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: john fetterman, pennsylvania, democratic party, republican national convention, dave mccormick, donald trump, steel industry, party switch speculation, former staffers, senate duties, wall street journal, inquirer siena poll
## Questions follow the RNC
Reporters pressed John Fetterman on Capitol Hill after his surprise video appearance at the Republican National Convention drew criticism from some Democrats.
## He denied switching parties
Fetterman grew frustrated when asked whether he planned to become a Republican, saying he has always been a Democrat and is not on the ballot this year.

> I'm not going to be a Republican
## Former aides raise concerns
A former staffer told Newsweek that Fetterman had to be pushed to do more Senate work, echoing a Wall Street Journal report about his day-to-day engagement.

> little interest
## Steel message stirred confusion
In the RNC video, Fetterman stood by a western Pennsylvania steel mill and said he would work with Dave McCormick and Donald Trump to defend steel jobs.

> to fight and defend the steel way of life
## His coalition has flipped
Polling cited by Newsweek found Republicans now view Fetterman more favorably than Democrats, a reversal from 2024.
## Speculation keeps building
Fetterman's term runs until 2028, but questions about his party ties and Senate work have kept pressure on him well before his next election.

> My name is not on the ballot. Chill
## Key takeaway

Fetterman says he remains a Democrat, but his RNC appearance, staff allegations, and shifting poll numbers are intensifying scrutiny.