Pennsylvania’s two senators are taking bipartisan cooperation to a level rarely seen in Washington.
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman and Republican Sen. Dave McCormick have launched a joint fundraising committee, an uncommon move for sitting senators from opposing parties that highlights their growing political partnership.
Joint fundraising committees are normally used by members of the same party. The decision to form one across party lines comes after months of public collaboration between the two senators on legislation, funding requests, and state priorities.
An unusual alliance
Since McCormick arrived in the Senate, he and Fetterman have repeatedly joined forces despite their ideological differences.
Their work together has included promoting Pennsylvania’s participation in the Great American State Fair during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, pushing for infrastructure funding, urging the NIH to release appropriated research grants, and backing bipartisan legislation.
More than political allies
The relationship has become one of the more unusual partnerships in the Senate, with Fetterman frequently breaking from fellow Democrats on issues such as immigration, Israel, and government funding.
Fetterman has said the friendship is rooted in a shared commitment to represent every Pennsylvanian — not just their political bases.
“We’re very, very good friends, and we get along, and we always try to find ways to work together,” Fetterman told NOTUS. “Pennsylvania deserves that. And you know, we both realize that we don’t just represent our respective base.”
McCormick has returned the praise, calling Fetterman “a real role model” and crediting him with helping the freshman senator navigate his first months in the chamber.
Fueling fresh speculation
The fundraising partnership is likely to reignite speculation about Fetterman’s political trajectory. Some Republicans have suggested he could eventually leave the Democratic Party, but the senator has repeatedly rejected that idea, saying he remains a Democrat even as he continues to seek common ground with Republicans.
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