John Fetterman says he will wait until after the November 2026 midterm elections before deciding whether to seek another term in the U.S. Senate.
The Pennsylvania Democrat made the comments Saturday, September 26, during an on-stage interview at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, where he also rejected speculation that he is preparing to leave the Democratic Party.
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John Fetterman leaves 2028 decision open
Fetterman said he is raising money with a possible 2028 campaign in mind, but stopped short of saying he will seek re-election.
“Wait till the midterms,” he said when asked about his next political move.
Fetterman added that he wanted to revisit the question after the election and see whether Democrats regain control of the Senate.
His six-year Senate term expires in January 2029, meaning Pennsylvania voters will choose the seat in 2028 unless he retires or otherwise leaves office before then.
The senator’s comments keep open several possibilities, including a re-election campaign, retirement or a different political path.
He did not announce a campaign or provide a timetable for a formal decision.
Fetterman says he is not becoming a Republican
Fetterman also pushed back against renewed questions about whether he could switch parties.
He said he has no reason to join the Republican Party and stated that he is not a Republican.
At the same time, he argued that his views do not fit neatly within the current Democratic coalition.
He pointed to his support for Israel, his position on Iran and his willingness to work with President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers on Pennsylvania priorities.
Fetterman said he has “no path as a Republican,” citing his support for abortion rights, LGBTQ rights and a voting record that remains overwhelmingly aligned with Democrats.
He also said that if Pennsylvania Democrats reject him or remove him from the party, they would be entitled to do so.
A growing break with Pennsylvania Democrats
The remarks come after a series of moves that have placed Fetterman at odds with many Democrats in Pennsylvania and Washington.
Earlier in September, he appeared in a video at a Republican midterm convention and introduced Pennsylvania Republican Sen.
Dave McCormick.
Fetterman used the appearance to emphasize steel production and cooperation with the Trump administration.
The appearance intensified questions about whether Fetterman could eventually leave the Democratic Party or face a serious primary challenge in 2028.
Fetterman has continued to describe himself as a Democrat, but he has criticized what he calls ideological “purity tests” within the party.
He has argued that Democrats should make room for lawmakers who disagree on foreign policy, national security and other major issues.
His approach has made him a more complicated figure for both parties.
Some Republicans have praised his willingness to work across the aisle, while Democrats have questioned whether he still represents the party’s voters in Pennsylvania.
What Fetterman said about the 2026 Senate race
Fetterman said it is possible Democrats could win control of the Senate in the 2026 midterms, despite the Republican majority and a Senate map that initially appeared favourable to the GOP.
Democrats would need to make gains in competitive races while defending their existing seats.
The party’s prospects could also be influenced by voter concerns about affordability, President Trump’s policies and the war involving Iran.
Fetterman presented his own position as potentially important if Democrats win a narrow majority.
He referred to the possibility of being the 51st Democratic senator and argued that his election in Pennsylvania demonstrated that Democrats could win in a politically competitive state.
However, he did not say whether he would support every future Democratic leadership decision or whether he would remain aligned with the party on all major votes.
Why the 2028 decision matters
Pennsylvania is expected to remain one of the most closely watched Senate battlegrounds in the country.
The state has supported both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates in recent elections, and its Senate delegation is currently split between Fetterman and McCormick.
A decision by Fetterman to retire would create an open-seat contest likely to attract candidates from both parties.
A re-election campaign, meanwhile, could produce a difficult Democratic primary if party critics decide his record no longer reflects their priorities.
Fetterman’s political standing has also become a central issue.
He has defended his record by pointing to federal funding and infrastructure investments secured for Pennsylvania, including projects pursued with Republican officials and the Trump administration.
He has also rejected criticism that he is disengaged from the work of the Senate, saying his focus remains on delivering results for the state.
What happens next
For now, Fetterman is expected to remain in the Senate through the rest of his current term while continuing to raise money and assess his political options.
The next major benchmark will be the November 2026 midterm election.
Its outcome could determine whether Democrats control the Senate, how much influence Fetterman has within his party and whether potential challengers move more aggressively against him.
Until then, Fetterman’s comments leave the 2028 Pennsylvania Senate race unsettled and ensure that questions about his party alignment will remain part of the political debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Fetterman running for re-election in 2028?
Fetterman has not announced a final decision. He said he plans to revisit the question after the November 2026 midterm elections and is fundraising with a possible campaign in mind.
When does John Fetterman’s current Senate term end?
His current six-year Senate term ends in January 2029, so Pennsylvania’s Senate election for the seat is scheduled for 2028.
Is John Fetterman leaving the Democratic Party?
Fetterman said he is not a Republican and has no current reason to join the Republican Party, although he continues to disagree with many Democrats on major issues.
What did Fetterman say about the 2026 midterm elections?
He said it is possible Democrats could regain control of the Senate and suggested the election’s outcome could affect how he approaches his own political future.
Why is Fetterman facing questions about his political future?
His support for some Republican-backed positions, cooperation with President Trump and criticism of Democratic leaders have created uncertainty about his standing within the party and his prospects for 2028.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, office details and Fetterman’s stated positions were checked against his official Senate information and current event reporting.
Disclaimer: Fetterman’s 2028 plans remain unresolved and may change after the November 2026 midterm elections.