Career Timeline of John Fetterman: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how John Fetterman made an impact.

John Fetterman is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania since 2023. A Democrat, he previously served as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, from 2006 to 2019, and as the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023. His political career has primarily been focused on representing the state of Pennsylvania in various capacities.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1995: Joined AmeriCorps

In 1995, after a corporate career at Chubb, John Fetterman joined AmeriCorps and was sent to teach Pittsburgh students pursuing their GEDs.

2001: Creation of Braddock Out-of-School-Youth Program

In 2001, John Fetterman led the creation of the Braddock Out-of-School-Youth Program, aimed at helping local youth earn their GEDs.

2005: Elected Mayor of Braddock

In 2005, John Fetterman ran for mayor of Braddock against the incumbent, Pauline Abdullah. He won the Democratic primary by a single vote and subsequently won the general election.

2006: Opposition to Expressway Expansion

In 2006, John Fetterman opposed the expansion of the Mon-Fayette Expressway, arguing that it would destroy the town of Braddock.

2009: Re-election Campaign for Mayor of Braddock

In 2009, during his campaign for re-election as mayor of Braddock, John Fetterman faced criticism from Jayme Cox. Fetterman was also criticized for releasing non-public records that showed Cox was arrested in 2004. Despite the criticism, Fetterman defeated Cox in the primary and was unopposed in the general election.

2010: Levi Strauss & Company Donation

In 2010, Levi Strauss & Company donated money towards Braddock's revitalization and featured the town in an advertising campaign and documentary produced by the Sundance Channel.

2013: Filming Out of the Furnace

In 2013, Fetterman worked with actor Christian Bale and director Scott Cooper when they filmed the movie "Out of the Furnace" in Braddock.

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2013: Established Superior Motors Restaurant

In 2013, John Fetterman and chef Kevin Sousa established Superior Motors, a restaurant in Braddock, aiming to revitalize the town by providing a dining establishment. Fetterman bought a former car dealership as the site for the new restaurant.

2013: Won Democratic Primary

In 2013, John Fetterman handily won the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock and was unopposed in the general election.

2013: Began Marrying LGBT Couples

Starting in 2013, John Fetterman began defying a 1996 Pennsylvania law and started to marry LGBT couples inside his home.

September 14, 2015: Fetterman Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate

On September 14, 2015, John Fetterman declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in the 2016 election, then held by Pat Toomey. Despite being considered a long shot against better-known candidates, he received endorsements from prominent figures.

2016: U.S. Senate Run

In 2016, John Fetterman ran for the U.S. Senate but finished third in the Democratic primary.

November 14, 2017: Announced Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor

On November 14, 2017, John Fetterman announced that he would run for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.

2017: Won Democratic Primary

In 2017, John Fetterman handily won the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock and was unopposed in the general election.

2017: Superior Motors Opens

In 2017, Superior Motors restaurant opened in Braddock. The restaurant was established by John Fetterman and chef Kevin Sousa.

November 6, 2018: Wolf and Fetterman Win Election

On November 6, 2018, Tom Wolf and John Fetterman defeated the Republican ticket of Scott Wagner and Jeff Bartos in the general election, marking their victory.

2018: Election as Lieutenant Governor

In 2018, John Fetterman was elected as the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, defeating incumbent Mike Stack in the Democratic primary and winning the general election alongside Governor Tom Wolf.

January 15, 2019: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor

On January 15, 2019, John Fetterman was sworn into office as the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, succeeding Mike Stack. Governor Tom Wolf tasked him with exploring the legalization of marijuana statewide.

January 2021: Fetterman Announces Exploratory Committee

In January 2021, John Fetterman announced the launch of an exploratory committee in preparation for a potential run in the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania.

February 4, 2021: Fetterman Files Candidacy Statement

On February 4, 2021, John Fetterman officially filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, declaring his intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Pat Toomey in the 2022 election.

February 8, 2021: Fetterman Officially Enters Senate Race

On February 8, 2021, John Fetterman officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania, which was being vacated by Senator Toomey.

2021: Announced Candidacy for U.S. Senate

In 2021, John Fetterman announced his candidacy in the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania.

December 2022: Fetterman Appears in "The Pale Blue Eye"

In December 2022, Fetterman made a cameo appearance in the 2022 film "The Pale Blue Eye". He also posted a photo with his wife and actor Christian Bale on the movie set.

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2022: Election to the U.S. Senate

In 2022, John Fetterman won the Democratic nomination and defeated Republican nominee Mehmet Oz in the general election, securing his position in the U.S. Senate.

April 17, 2023: Fetterman Returns to Senate Committee

On April 17, 2023, John Fetterman returned to the Senate to chair the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry subcommittee on food and nutrition, specialty crops, organics and research. Despite some vocal challenges, he emphasized the importance of fighting hunger.

June 2024: Fetterman visits Israel, meets with Herzog and Netanyahu

In June 2024, John Fetterman visited Israel and met with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu stated that "Israel has had no better friend" than Fetterman, highlighting Fetterman's staunch support for Israel.