Fetterman for Senate
John Fetterman is not a typical politician. There is in part, his clever – but very pointed – sense of humor. When Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick offered a bounty for evidence of 2020 voter fraud, Fetterman stepped forward – with a Republican violation. And clearly enjoyed trolling Patrick about the issue. More recently, he has gently poked fun at his opponent for his non-Pennsylvania residence – including hiring a star of “Jersey Shore” to film an ad.
But unlike his opponent, who seems to have no firm policy positions and no serious political beliefs, Fetterman also has a dead serious side. John has pushed policies he believes in, including some that most politicians avoid. These included immigration reform and LGBTQ+ rights. Before gay marriage was legal, Fetterman performed one of the first same-sex marriages in the commonwealth.
He got his start in politics in what many would consider an unenviable job: mayor of a declining industrial city, Braddock, PA. As mayor of Braddock, he successfully opposed a four-lane interstate highway through Braddock, a town that’s more than 80% Black on the grounds that it was environmental racism. He focused on community policing and economic revival. In 2009, the Guardian called Fetterman ‘America’s coolest mayor.”
Fetterman the politician. Fetterman has lost only one election, the 2016 Pennsylvania US Senate primary, won by Katie McGinty. After winning his first primary race for mayor by a single vote, he was re-elected three times, never receiving less than 65%.
Fetterman on the issues. As Lt. Governor, John has advocated for economic justice and criminal justice reform. Of current members of the Senate, Fetterman is probably most like Sherrod Brown of Ohio – a pro-labor liberal with an ability to give a talk at the John F. Kennedy School or a steelworker’s union hall.
Fetterman supports an end to the Senate filibuster. He has also said that Democrats need to be more ruthless, like Republicans, in order to pass legislative priorities.
Healthcare. Fetterman has supported Medicare for All. He has said that "Healthcare is a fundamental human right," and that he would "support whatever path" is necessary to expand healthcare accessibility, including the expexpansion of Obamacare.
Abortion. Fetterman opposes any legislative restrictions on abortion, and has expressed support for the codification of Roe v. Wade into federal law.
Gun policy. Fetterman supports greater restrictions upon gun purchases, including universal background checks and closing loopholes that allow for the mentally ill and domestic abusers to purchase firearms.
Criminal justice reform. Prison reform is one of Fetterman's signature issues, advocating for more rehabilitation as well as broader clemency. As lieutenant governor, he chairs Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons, which processes clemency requests and forwards them to the governor. Fetterman urged the board to process requests more quickly.
Policing. Fetterman has described himself as "pro-policing", including pro-community policing. He calls the idea of defunding the police absurd. As lieutenant governor, Fetterman supported legislation that would only allow the police to use deadly force in situations where officers or others nearby face imminent threat of death or serious injury.
Fetterman is in favor of abolishing capital punishment and would extend Gov. Wolf’s moratorium. He has called the death penalty "inhumane, antiquated, expensive, and [a] flawed system of punishment.”
Environmental issues. In the past, Fetterman opposed fracking, calling the practice "an environmental abomination.” However, he now says that he supports the continuation of fracking, although he calls for stricter environmental regulations. In 2021, Fetterman said that he supports moving towards a "de facto moratorium [on fracking] because the transition is going to be toward green and renewable energy.”
Minimum wage. Fetterman supports a $15 minimum wage.
Taxation. Fetterman supports a wealth tax in the United States.
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This series is written to promote political discussion and organizing. Permission is given to use this in fact sheets, talking points, letters to the editor, etc. We’d appreciate if you notified Gettysburg DFA (leonsreed@gmail.com) of any uses. Written by Leon Reed.