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 the senior United States senator from Pennsylvania, a position he has held since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Fetterman previously served as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, from 2006 to 2019. Following his mayoral tenure, he served as the 34th lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023, marking a continued presence in Pennsylvania's political landscape.

Sections (6)

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

1991: Graduation from Albright College

In 1991, John Fetterman graduated from Albright College, his father's alma mater, with a bachelor's degree in finance.

1993: Receiving MBA from UConn

In 1993, John Fetterman received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Connecticut (UConn).

1995: Joining AmeriCorps

In 1995, John Fetterman joined the recently founded AmeriCorps and was sent to teach Pittsburgh students pursuing their GEDs.

1999: Graduation from Harvard

In 1999, John Fetterman graduated from Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University with a Master of Public Policy degree.

2001: Starting Youth Program

In 2001, John Fetterman came to Braddock to start an Out-of-School-Youth Program, helping local youth to earn their GEDs.

2005: Elected Mayor of Braddock

In 2005, John Fetterman ran for and won the election to become the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, defeating the incumbent, Pauline Abdullah.

2006: Opposing Expressway Expansion

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

2008: Allegheny County Sues Fetterman and Braddock Redux

In 2008, Allegheny County sued John Fetterman and his nonprofit, Braddock Redux, for unpaid taxes, resulting in a tax lien of $25,000 being placed against them.

February 25, 2009: Appearance on The Colbert Report

On February 25, 2009, John Fetterman appeared on The Colbert Report to discuss Braddock's economic challenges and potential support from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

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2009: Primary Election Victory

In 2009, John Fetterman defeated Jayme Cox in the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock, despite criticism and controversy.

November 2010: Arrested at Protest

In November 2010, John Fetterman was arrested and released after protesting the closure of Braddock Hospital at the U.S. Steel Tower in Pittsburgh.

2012: Voting to Choose Council President

In 2012, John Fetterman cast his only vote during his tenure as mayor to help the borough council choose a president.

2012: Fetterman Pays Off Unpaid Taxes

In 2012, John Fetterman settled the unpaid tax lien of $25,000 that Allegheny County had placed against him and his nonprofit, Braddock Redux.

2013: Establishing Superior Motors

In 2013, John Fetterman and Kevin Sousa established Superior Motors, a restaurant in Braddock.

2013: Won Democratic Primary Unopposed

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

2013: Filming Out of the Furnace in Braddock

In 2013, John Fetterman worked with actor Christian Bale and director Scott Cooper during the filming of 'Out of the Furnace' in Braddock.

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2013: 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: Announced Candidacy for U.S. Senate

On September 14, 2015, John Fetterman announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in the 2016 election.

2016: U.S. Senate Election Run

In 2016, Fetterman's campaign for the U.S. Senate was considered a long shot against better-known candidates.

November 14, 2017: Announcing Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor

On November 14, 2017, John Fetterman announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.

2017: Won Democratic Primary Unopposed

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

November 6, 2018: Election as Lieutenant Governor

On November 6, 2018, John Fetterman and Tom Wolf defeated the Republican ticket of Scott Wagner and Jeff Bartos in the general election, making Fetterman the Lieutenant Governor.

January 15, 2019: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor

On January 15, 2019, John Fetterman was sworn into office as the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.

January 2021: Launched Exploratory Committee for U.S. Senate Election

In January 2021, John Fetterman announced he was launching an exploratory committee for the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania.

February 4, 2021: Filed Candidacy Statement for Senate Seat

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

February 8, 2021: Officially Entered Senate Race

On February 8, 2021, John Fetterman officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania.

September 2022: Negotiations for Debate with Oz

In September 2022, Oz challenged Fetterman to a debate before early voting. Fetterman agreed to a debate in October but did not commit to a specific date in September, drawing criticism and raising questions about his fitness to serve.

December 2022: Fetterman Posts Photo with Christian Bale on 'The Pale Blue Eye' Set

In December 2022, John Fetterman posted a photo of himself and his wife with actor Christian Bale on the set of the film 'The Pale Blue Eye', where Fetterman had a cameo appearance.

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2022: U.S. Senate Election

In 2022, John Fetterman ran for U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania.

January 3, 2023: Took Office as Senator

On January 3, 2023, John Fetterman took office as a U.S. Senator, becoming the tallest currently serving senator.

February 2023: Attended First Agriculture Committee Hearing

In February 2023, Fetterman attended his first Agriculture Committee hearing where he asked questions about trade and organic farming, though he stumbled slightly over his words.

April 17, 2023: Returned to the Senate to Chair Subcommittee

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. During the hearing his voice stumbled at times.

2023: Voted Against Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, John Fetterman voted against the final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act due to concerns about new SNAP requirements.

November 5, 2024: Disrupted Jon Stewart's Live Election Special

On November 5, 2024, John Fetterman disrupted Jon Stewart's live election special on The Daily Show by canceling an interview 30 seconds before it was scheduled to air.

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2024: Expressed Willingness to Work with Trump Post-Election

In 2024, after Donald Trump won the United States presidential election, Fetterman expressed willingness to vote for some of Trump's cabinet appointees and work with Republicans, leading to rumors about a potential party switch.

March 2025: Vote on Stopgap Funding Bill

In March 2025, Fetterman was one of nine Senate Democrats to vote for cloture for a Republican-led stopgap funding bill to avoid a federal government shutdown.