Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to John Fetterman

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to John Fetterman.

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

1996: Pennsylvania Law Banned Same-Sex Marriage

In 1996, Pennsylvania law banned same-sex marriage which John Fetterman defied starting in 2013.

2004: Cox Arrested

In 2004, Jayme Cox, who was Fetterman's opponent in the 2009 Democratic primary, was arrested and this information was later revealed by Fetterman during the campaign.

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.

2013: Began Marrying LGBT Couples

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

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.

November 2020: Called Trump an Internet Troll

In November 2020, John Fetterman responded to Donald Trump's threats of lawsuits alleging voter fraud in Pennsylvania by calling him "no different than any other random internet troll".

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: Miyares Commented on Incident

In 2021, Chris Miyares wrote that John Fetterman had "lied about everything" regarding the January 2013 incident, but also expressed that Fetterman had "done far more good than that one bad act."

2021: Attended a Third of Senate Sessions

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

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.

March 26, 2024: Fetterman denounces Biden administration

On March 26, 2024, John Fetterman and Representative Josh Gottheimer publicly denounced the Biden administration for not voting against a U.N. Security Council resolution. The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan, the release of all hostages, and a path towards a sustainable ceasefire.

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.

January 2025: Fetterman Votes to Sanction International Criminal Court

In January 2025, John Fetterman was the only Democratic senator who voted with all Republicans for cloture on a bill to sanction the International Criminal Court in response to its warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant.

March 2025: Fetterman Votes for Cloture on Republican Funding Bill

In March 2025, John Fetterman was one of nine Senate Democrats who voted for cloture on a Republican-led stopgap funding bill in order to avoid a federal government shutdown. He criticized fellow Democrats for pandering to the left wing.