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 U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania since 2023. A Democrat, he previously served as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, from 2006 to 2019, and as the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023. His political career has primarily been focused on representing the state of Pennsylvania in various capacities.

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 passed that banned same-sex marriage, which John Fetterman defied starting in 2013.

2004: Arrest of Jayme Cox

In 2004, Jayme Cox was arrested, and John Fetterman later released non-public records of the arrest during a campaign, which was deemed an abuse of power.

2009: Re-election Campaign for Mayor of Braddock

In 2009, during his campaign for re-election as mayor of Braddock, John Fetterman faced criticism from Jayme Cox. Fetterman was also criticized for releasing non-public records that showed Cox was arrested in 2004. Despite the criticism, Fetterman defeated Cox in the primary and was unopposed in the general election.

2009: Contentious Relationship with Town Council

In 2009, during his tenure as mayor, John Fetterman had a contentious relationship with the Braddock town council. Members attempted to have him removed from a meeting and cited for an occupancy permit violation.

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 immediately released for protesting the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's closure of Braddock Hospital.

January 2013: Shotgun Incident with Jogger

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

2018: Criticism of Fetterman's Mayoral Tenure

In 2018, Tony Buba, a Braddock-based filmmaker, criticized John Fetterman's mayoral tenure, pointing out that Braddock's population had stagnated and the average income remained low despite Fetterman's efforts.

January 2019: Start of Light Work Schedule

Starting in January 2019 after his inauguration as Lieutenant Governor, John Fetterman maintained a light work schedule often being absent from official state business.

November 2020: Criticism of Donald Trump

In November 2020, John Fetterman criticized Donald Trump, referring to him as "no different than any other random internet troll" in response to Trump's threats to file lawsuits in Pennsylvania over alleged voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

2020: Limited Attendance in Senate Sessions

In 2020, John Fetterman attended only half of the Senate's sessions while serving as lieutenant governor.

2021: Limited Attendance in Senate Sessions

In 2021, John Fetterman attended only a third of the Senate's sessions while serving as lieutenant governor.

May 2022: Review Finds Light Work Schedule

An Associated Press review through May 2022, found that John Fetterman's official schedule was blank for one-third of workdays during his tenure as lieutenant governor, and he was often absent from presiding over the Pennsylvania State Senate.

September 2023: Senate dress code relaxed and reversed due to Fetterman's casual style

In September 2023, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer relaxed the Senate dress code due to Fetterman's casual style. Later in September 2023, the Senate reversed this decision, unanimously passing the "SHORTS Act" to establish the Senate's first official dress code, referencing Fetterman's trademark outfit.