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 a U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania since 2023. A Democrat, he previously served as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2019. Subsequently, he was the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023. His political career reflects a move from local to state and then federal office within the Democratic party.

Sections (6)

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

1996: Pennsylvania Law Banning Same-Sex Marriage

In 1996, a Pennsylvania law was enacted that banned same-sex marriage, which John Fetterman began defying in 2013 by marrying LGBT couples.

2006: Fetterman Opposes Expressway Expansion

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

2009: Town Council Attempts to Remove Fetterman

In 2009, members of the Braddock town council attempted to have John Fetterman removed and arrested after he criticized a political opponent, and he was cited for an occupancy permit violation.

November 2010: Fetterman Seeks 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: Fetterman Arrested During Protest

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

January 2013: Fetterman Detains Jogger with Shotgun

In January 2013, John Fetterman detained an unarmed Black American jogger, Chris Miyares, with a shotgun in North Braddock after mistaking the sound of bottle rockets for gunfire.

2013: Fetterman Marries LGBT Couples

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

2016: Fetterman's progressive campaign for Senate

In 2016, Fetterman's campaign for Senate focused on progressive values and grassroots support, drawing comparisons to Bernie Sanders. He garnered 20% of the primary vote despite low funding and name recognition.

2020: Response to Trump's voter fraud claims in Pennsylvania

In 2020, after Joe Biden won the presidential election in Pennsylvania and Trump claimed voter fraud, Fetterman certified three cases of voter fraud in Pennsylvania where individuals voted on behalf of dead relatives, all for Trump. He sarcastically suggested that Texas lieutenant governor Dan Patrick should pay $1 million for each case, gaining nationwide publicity.

2021: Superior Motors Closes

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

August 2022: Fetterman's first public appearance after stroke

In August 2022, Fetterman made his first public appearance since recovering from a stroke at a rally in Erie. His speech was somewhat halted at times.

September 2022: Fetterman Agrees to Debate Oz

In September 2022, Oz called on Fetterman to debate him. Fetterman agreed to debate in "the middle to end of October" but did not commit to a specific date in September, leading to criticism and raising questions about his fitness to serve.

October 2022: Fetterman gives first in-person interview since stroke

In October 2022, Fetterman gave his first in-person interview since his stroke, to Dasha Burns on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, requiring closed-captioning technology. The interview sparked debate over his ability to understand questions.

February 10, 2023: Fetterman Hospitalized for Syncope

On February 10, 2023, Fetterman was hospitalized for syncope (lightheadedness) for two days, followed by hospitalization for severe major depression. He spent about two months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, continuing to review legislation. During this time, he co-sponsored a bipartisan rail safety bill.

February 2023: Fetterman Attends First Agriculture Committee Hearing

In February 2023, Fetterman attended his first Agriculture Committee hearing, asking questions about trade and organic farming, but stumbled slightly over his words.

April 17, 2023: Fetterman Returns to Senate to Chair Subcommittee

On April 17, 2023, Fetterman returned to the Senate to chair the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry subcommittee on food and nutrition, specialty crops, organics and research. His voice stumbled at times, but he appeared in good spirits and delivered a message about fighting hunger.

2023: Fetterman Votes Against Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, Fetterman voted against the final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, motivated by the new SNAP requirements that raised the age of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependent children.

May 2024: Chief of Staff Expresses Concerns About Fetterman's Mental Health

In May 2024, John Fetterman's chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, wrote a letter expressing concern over Fetterman's mental health and describing behaviors such as "conspiratorial thinking" and avoiding medical checkups.

June 9, 2024: Fetterman Involved in Car Crash

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