Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has further distanced himself from the Democratic Party’s progressive wing to warn about the rise of socialism.
Fetterman is drawing a clear line between New York City’s leftward politics and the more centrist approach he believes Democrats need to win nationally.
Appearing on Fox News’s “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Fetterman referenced NYC’s Democrat mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Mamdani, who identifies as a Democratic Socialist, is favored in Tuesday’s election.
“Socialism might be taking over in New York City tomorrow,” Fetterman said.
“But that’s certainly not the future of my party,” he added.
“Pennsylvania Keeps People Honest”
Fetterman argued that New York’s political culture doesn’t represent the country at large.
The senator notes that Pennsylvania, a key battleground that helped decide the 2024 presidential election, is a better model for Democrats seeking broad appeal.
“Pennsylvania keeps people honest,” he said.
“We’re very purple, and I love a lot of people that voted for the president…
“It keeps you honest to remember that there are two sides, and you have to find a way forward.
“That’s really the future, and that’s why I’m proud to be a part of it.”
A Centrist Voice in a Divided Party
Fetterman has increasingly positioned himself as a moderate within the Democratic Party.
He has been increasingly diverging from the Democrats’ progressive faction on several high-profile issues.
He has voiced strong support for Israel, opposed efforts to shut down the government, and rejected rhetoric that labels supporters of President Donald Trump as extremists.
“I’m not going to compare anyone to, like, Hitler or anything. That’s wrong,” he told Watters.
“And if you resort to that thing, you’ve lost the plot.”
WATCH:
Fetterman’s remarks come as Democrats debate their direction heading into 2026.
Democrats are battling growing tensions between the party’s progressive base and centrist leaders seeking to regain support in swing states.
READ MORE – Fetterman Apologizes to the American People for the Democrat Shutdown: ‘I’m Sorry’
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