Childhood and Education Journey of John Fetterman in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of John Fetterman, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

August 15, 1969: John Fetterman's Birth

On August 15, 1969, John Karl Fetterman was born. He is now the senior United States senator from Pennsylvania.

Others born on this day/year

1991: Graduation from Albright College

In 1991, John Fetterman graduated from Albright College with a bachelor's degree in finance.

1993: Received MBA from UConn

In 1993, John Fetterman received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Connecticut (UConn).

1999: Graduated from Harvard Kennedy School

In 1999, John Fetterman graduated from Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University with a Master of Public Policy degree.

2004: Fetterman Moves to Braddock

In 2004, John Fetterman moved to Braddock, Pennsylvania, after his service with AmeriCorps led him there.

2006: Opposition to Expressway Expansion

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

February 25, 2009: Appearance on the Colbert Report

On February 25, 2009, John Fetterman appeared on The Colbert Report to discuss Braddock's economic difficulties and questioned why American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds could not be used to support projects in the town.

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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.

2010: Levi Strauss & Company Donation

In 2010, Levi Strauss & Company donated money towards Braddock's revitalization and featured the town in an advertising campaign and documentary produced by the Sundance Channel.

2012: Mayoral Vote

In 2012, John Fetterman cast only one vote during his tenure as mayor, voting to help the borough council choose a president.

2013: Established Superior Motors Restaurant

In 2013, John Fetterman and chef Kevin Sousa established Superior Motors, a restaurant in Braddock, aiming to revitalize the town by providing a dining establishment. Fetterman bought a former car dealership as the site for the new restaurant.

2013: Began Marrying LGBT Couples

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

2015: Financial Support from Father

In 2015, John Fetterman received $54,000 from his father to subsidize him financially due to the low salary of the Braddock mayor position.

2017: Superior Motors Opens

In 2017, Superior Motors restaurant opened in Braddock. The restaurant was established by John Fetterman and chef Kevin Sousa.

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: Superior Motors Received PPP Loan

In 2020, Superior Motors received a Paycheck Protection Program loan for $190,000.

2021: Miyares Comments on Incident

In 2021, Chris Miyares wrote that John Fetterman had "lied about everything" regarding the 2013 shotgun incident but believed that Fetterman had "done far more good than that one bad act" and should not be defined by it.

2021: Superior Motors Closes

In 2021, Superior Motors restaurant closed in Braddock amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant was established by John Fetterman and chef Kevin Sousa.

February 8, 2023: Fetterman hospitalized after feeling lightheaded

On February 8, 2023, John Fetterman was hospitalized overnight after experiencing lightheadedness during a U.S. Senate retreat. His office indicated he was in good spirits, and his hospitalization was unrelated to his previous stroke.

February 10, 2023: Fetterman Hospitalized for Syncope

On February 10, 2023, John Fetterman was hospitalized for two days due to syncope, which is lightheadedness.

February 16, 2023: Fetterman checks into Walter Reed for clinical depression

On February 16, 2023, John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed Hospital for treatment of clinical depression. An aide mentioned that he would likely remain hospitalized for less than two months.

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.

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. Both were hospitalized and released quickly. Fetterman was found at fault for rear-ending another vehicle while speeding.

November 5, 2024: Fetterman Disrupts Jon Stewart's Live Election Special

On November 5, 2024, John Fetterman disrupted Jon Stewart's live election special on The Daily Show by canceling an interview with only 30 seconds' notice.