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 United States Senator for Pennsylvania since 2023. As a member of the Democratic Party, his political career includes serving as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, from 2006 to 2019. Subsequently, he held the position of the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 until his election to the Senate in 2023.

Sections (6)

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

2006: Opposed Mon-Fayette Expressway Expansion

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

2008: Allegheny County Sues Fetterman and Braddock Redux

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

2009: Won Democratic Primary for Braddock Mayor Amidst Controversy

In 2009, during the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock, John Fetterman was criticized by Jayme Cox for failing to build consensus and abusing his power, however, Fetterman won the primary 294 to 103.

2009: Town council attempted to remove Fetterman from meeting.

In 2009, members of the Braddock town council attempted to have John Fetterman removed from a town council meeting after he criticized a political opponent.

November 2010: Sought to Close Braddock Nightclub

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

November 2010: Arrested Protesting Braddock Hospital Closure

In November 2010, John Fetterman was arrested for protesting the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's closure of Braddock Hospital, the town's largest employer.

January 2013: Detained Unarmed Jogger with Shotgun

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

2016: Ran for U.S. Senate

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

2017: Initial Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis

In 2017, John Fetterman received a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation but did not consistently follow up with medical care or take prescribed medications following the initial diagnosis.

2017: Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation

In 2017, John Fetterman was hospitalized and diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and a decreased heart pump function by cardiologist Ramesh Chandra. This diagnosis remained private until after his stroke in 2022.

2018: Criticism of Fetterman's Mayoral Tenure

In 2018, Tony Buba, a Braddock-based filmmaker, critiqued John Fetterman's mayoral tenure, noting that Braddock's population had stagnated and the average income remained low despite some growth.

January 2019: Start of Light Work Schedule as Lieutenant Governor

Starting in January 2019, John Fetterman began his tenure as lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania with a light work schedule.

June 4, 2019: Collapse While Presiding Over the State Senate

On June 4, 2019, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Fetterman "collapsed" while presiding over the State Senate. He became wobbly and grabbed the lectern to prevent himself from falling over, and was examined by nursing staff. His spokesperson later attributed it to overheating.

2020: Attended Half of Senate Sessions

In 2020, John Fetterman attended only half of the Pennsylvania State Senate sessions, an official duty of the lieutenant governor.

2021: Attended a Third of Senate Sessions

In 2021, John Fetterman attended only a third of the Pennsylvania State Senate sessions.

2021: Restaurant Closed Amid Pandemic

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

May 13, 2022: Hospitalization for Ischemic Stroke

On May 13, 2022, Fetterman was hospitalized after suffering an ischemic stroke caused by a clot related to his atrial fibrillation. Doctors implanted a pacemaker and defibrillator to address his condition.

May 2022: Review of Fetterman's Schedule

By May 2022, an Associated Press review revealed that John Fetterman's official schedule as lieutenant governor was blank for one-third of workdays.

May 2022: Fetterman Suffers a Stroke

In May 2022, John Fetterman suffered a stroke, which led to the public disclosure of his prior diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and decreased heart pump function. He was hospitalized for treatment.

February 8, 2023: Hospitalization After Feeling Lightheaded

On February 8, 2023, Fetterman was hospitalized overnight after experiencing lightheadedness during a U.S. Senate retreat. His office stated that this hospitalization was not related to his previous stroke.

February 16, 2023: Admission to Walter Reed Hospital for Depression

On February 16, 2023, Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed Hospital for treatment of clinical depression, with an expected stay of less than two months. He was later discharged on March 31 and returned to the Senate on April 17.

June 9, 2024: Involvement in a Two-Car Crash

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