Challenges in the Life of John Fetterman in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of John Fetterman. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

1996: Pennsylvania Law Banning Same-Sex Marriage

Starting in 2013, John Fetterman began defying a 1996 Pennsylvania law that banned same-sex marriage.

2004: Cox's Arrest

In 2004, Fetterman's opponent Jayme Cox was arrested, this information was then used during the election.

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.

2009: Primary Election Victory

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

2009: Town Council Disputes

In 2009, John Fetterman faced attempts to remove him from a town council meeting and faced code violation accusations, highlighting a contentious relationship with the Braddock town council.

November 2010: Efforts to Close Nightclub

Also in November 2010, John Fetterman took a leading role in trying to close down Club 804, a Braddock nightclub, after a shooting occurred there.

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.

January 2013: Shotgun Incident

In January 2013, John Fetterman detained an unarmed jogger, Chris Miyares, with a shotgun in North Braddock, leading to controversy.

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.

2017: Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation

In 2017, John Fetterman was hospitalized due to swollen feet and diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and a decreased heart pump by cardiologist Ramesh Chandra, although this was not made public until 2022.

January 2019: Start of Light Work Schedule

From John Fetterman's inauguration in January 2019 until May 2022, his official schedule as lieutenant governor was often blank, indicating a light work schedule.

June 4, 2019: Fetterman Collapses While Presiding Over State Senate

On June 4, 2019, John Fetterman reportedly "collapsed" while presiding over the State Senate, becoming wobbly and needing to grab the lectern. He was examined by the Capitol's nursing staff and attributed the incident to overheating.

November 2020: Response to Trump's Election Claims

In November 2020, John Fetterman responded to Donald Trump's voter fraud allegations in Pennsylvania by stating Trump was "no different than any other random internet troll".

2020: Superior Motors Receives Loan

In 2020, Superior Motors received a Paycheck Protection Program loan for $190,000.

2020: Response to 2020 Election Fraud Claims

In 2020, after Joe Biden won the presidential election in Pennsylvania and Trump claimed voter fraud, Fetterman responded to Texas lieutenant governor Dan Patrick's reward offer for proving fraud by pointing out three cases of voter fraud in Pennsylvania and sarcastically congratulating Trump on winning the "dead mother vote".

2021: Superior Motors Closed

In 2021, Superior Motors restaurant closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 13, 2022: Fetterman Suffers Ischemic Stroke

On May 13, 2022, John Fetterman experienced an ischemic stroke due to a clot caused by atrial fibrillation, which resulted in his hospitalization. His doctors implanted a pacemaker and defibrillator due to cardiomyopathy.

May 2022: Fetterman's Stroke

In May 2022, John Fetterman suffered a stroke caused by a clot from atrial fibrillation. This led to the public disclosure of his 2017 heart condition diagnosis.

August 2022: First Public Appearance After Stroke

In August 2022, Fetterman made his first public appearance since recovering from a stroke at a rally in Erie. While he appeared physically healthy, his speech was sometimes halting.

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.

October 2022: First In-Person Interview After Stroke

In October 2022, John Fetterman gave his first in-person interview since his stroke, with Dasha Burns on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. He required closed-captioning technology during the interview, which drew criticism.

February 8, 2023: Fetterman Hospitalized After Feeling Lightheaded

On February 8, 2023, John Fetterman was hospitalized overnight after feeling lightheaded during a U.S. Senate retreat. His office stated that he was in "good spirits" and the hospitalization was unrelated to his previous stroke.

February 10, 2023: Hospitalized for Syncope

On February 10, 2023, John Fetterman was hospitalized for syncope (lightheadedness).

February 16, 2023: Fetterman Checks Into Walter Reed for Clinical Depression

On February 16, 2023, John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed Hospital to receive treatment for clinical depression. He was expected to remain hospitalized for "likely less than two months."

June 9, 2024: Fetterman Involved in Two-Car Crash

On June 9, 2024, John Fetterman and his wife were hospitalized after a two-car crash in Maryland. They were quickly released, and Fetterman was found at fault for rear-ending another vehicle while speeding.