Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) expressed a willingness to collaborate with newly elected Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) to address key issues in Pennsylvania. Speaking at the Pennsylvania Farm Show over the weekend, Fetterman described his recent conversation with McCormick as a “great discussion,” emphasizing the importance of working across party lines to improve the state.
McCormick defeated former Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) in the 2024 election, a closely contested race that Casey conceded in late November after initially disputing the results. Fetterman expressed regret over the departure of his “dear friend” Casey but said he looked forward to building a productive relationship with McCormick.
Fetterman’s bipartisan tone extends beyond state-level collaboration. He signaled openness to confirming some of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, and Elise Stefanik for Ambassador to the United Nations. Fetterman acknowledged differences with some nominees but emphasized that his decisions would be based on an “informed choice.”
While Fetterman voiced potential support for Rubio and Stefanik, he noted there are nominees he will not support, without specifying further. He has met with several of Trump’s picks, including Stefanik, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (R-HI) for Director of National Intelligence, and Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. Fetterman reiterated that he approaches these decisions with “an open mind and an informed opinion.”
Fetterman’s willingness to engage with McCormick and Trump’s Cabinet nominees reflects a pragmatic approach amid a politically divided government. His readiness to cross party lines could influence bipartisan efforts in Congress, especially as Pennsylvania remains a key battleground state.
