Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appears in surprise video at GOP midterm convention
Democratic Senator John Fetterman appeared in a surprise video at the 2026 Republican National Convention to endorse GOP colleague Dave McCormick and criticize the rise of socialism within the Democratic Party. While Fetterman reaffirmed his commitment to the Democratic party, his actions drew sharp criticism from fellow Democrats.
Why it matters
The incident highlights internal ideological fractures within the Democratic Party and underscores the political volatility of the 2026 midterm election cycle.
People watch as U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) appears on a video on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on September 9. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Democratic Sen. John Fetterman praised his Republican colleague from his home state, Sen. Dave McCormick, in a surprise video appearance at the GOP midterm convention, and condemned the rise of far-left voices in his own party.
In the roughly one-minute video introducing McCormick on stage, Fetterman made clear that he is still a Democrat. But took aim at the rise of "socialism" in his own party – a notable and public rebuke to the Democrats' left flank.
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