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 since 2023. As a member of the Democratic Party, Fetterman previously served as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, from 2006 to 2019. He then served as the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 until assuming his senatorial role in 2023. His political career has been marked by his focus on issues relevant to working-class communities.
2006: Opposed Expressway Expansion
In 2006, John Fetterman opposed the expansion of the Mon-Fayette Expressway, arguing it would harm Braddock.
2008: Tax Lien Lawsuit
In 2008, Allegheny County sued John Fetterman and his nonprofit Braddock Redux for unpaid taxes, resulting in a $25,000 tax lien.
2009: Town Council Conflict
In 2009, John Fetterman had conflicts with the Braddock town council, leading to attempts to remove him from a meeting and cite him for an occupancy permit violation.
November 2010: Sought to Close Nightclub
In November 2010, John Fetterman took a leading role in trying to close down Club 804, a Braddock nightclub.
November 2010: Arrested at Protest
In November 2010, John Fetterman was arrested and immediately released for protesting the closure of Braddock Hospital.
January 2013: Shotgun Incident
In January 2013, John Fetterman detained an unarmed jogger with a shotgun in North Braddock, leading to controversy.
2017: Diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation
In 2017, John Fetterman was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and a decreased heart pump during hospitalization for swelling feet, though this wasn't publicly known until his stroke in 2022.
2017: Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis
In 2017, John Fetterman was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation but did not seek medical attention or continue medication for five years, which he later regretted.
January 2019: Began Term
Starting in January 2019, John Fetterman's official schedule as lieutenant governor was often blank, and he frequently missed Senate sessions.
June 4, 2019: Collapse While Presiding Over State Senate
On June 4, 2019, John Fetterman "collapsed" while presiding over the State Senate, becoming wobbly and grabbing the lectern to prevent himself from falling over.
2020: Limited Attendance
In 2020, John Fetterman only attended half of the Senate's sessions as lieutenant governor.
2020: Response to Voter Fraud Allegations
In 2020, amidst claims of voter fraud in Pennsylvania, John Fetterman responded by sarcastically certifying that three cases of voter fraud were discovered, involving individuals casting ballots on behalf of dead relatives or twice, all for Trump. He lampooned the situation, drawing nationwide publicity.
2021: Limited Attendance
In 2021, John Fetterman only attended a third of the Senate's sessions as lieutenant governor.
2021: Restaurant Closed
In 2021, the restaurant Superior Motors closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 13, 2022: Hospitalized after ischemic stroke
On May 13, 2022, John Fetterman had an ischemic stroke and was hospitalized.
May 2022: Absenteeism
From his inauguration in January 2019 until May 2022, John Fetterman's official schedule was blank for one-third of workdays.
June 2022: Doctor's Assessment of Fetterman's Health
In June 2022, a doctor wrote that Fetterman was "well compensated and stable" and would be fine if he maintained his health regimen, following his recent health challenges.
August 2022: First Public Appearance After Stroke
In August 2022, John Fetterman made his first public appearance at a rally in Erie after recovering from a stroke.
September 2022: Debate Challenge and Agreement
In September 2022, Mehmet Oz challenged John Fetterman to a debate, which Fetterman eventually agreed to, setting the debate for October 25th.
October 2022: Medical Update on Fetterman's Recovery
In October 2022, Fetterman's primary care physician reported significant improvement in his communication and cognitive abilities, noting his commitment to speech therapy, exercise, and medication, and stating that he had no work restrictions.
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 he was in good spirits and that 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) for two days.
February 16, 2023: Fetterman Checks into Walter Reed for Depression Treatment
On February 16, 2023, John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed Hospital to receive treatment for clinical depression.
June 9, 2024: Fetterman Involved in Two-Car Crash
On June 9, 2024, John Fetterman and his wife were involved in a two-car crash in Maryland. They were hospitalized and quickly released, with Fetterman found at fault for rear-ending another vehicle while speeding.
