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 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.
August 15, 1969: John Fetterman Born
On August 15, 1969, John Karl Fetterman was born. He is now the senior United States senator from Pennsylvania.
1991: Graduated 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).
1996: Pennsylvania law banned same-sex marriage
In 1996, a Pennsylvania law banned same-sex marriage
1999: Graduated from Harvard
In 1999, John Fetterman graduated from Harvard Kennedy School with a Master of Public Policy degree.
2004: Moved to Braddock
In 2004, John Fetterman moved to Braddock after his service with AmeriCorps.
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.
2012: Voted Once as Mayor
In 2012, John Fetterman cast his only vote during his tenure as mayor to help the borough council choose a president.
2012: Paid Off Unpaid Taxes
In 2012, John Fetterman paid off the unpaid taxes from the 2008 tax lien lawsuit.
2013: Established Restaurant in Braddock
In 2013, John Fetterman and Kevin Sousa established Superior Motors restaurant in Braddock.
2013: Filming "Out of the Furnace" in Braddock
In 2013, John Fetterman collaborated with Christian Bale and director Scott Cooper during the filming of "Out of the Furnace" in Braddock.
2013: Began Marrying LGBT Couples
Starting in 2013, John Fetterman began defying a 1996 Pennsylvania law that banned same-sex marriage and started marrying LGBT couples.
2015: Financial Support from Father
In 2015, John Fetterman received $54,000 from his father to subsidize his low-paying position as mayor.
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.
2017: Restaurant Opened
In 2017, the restaurant Superior Motors opened in Braddock.
2018: Publicly Spoke About Weight Loss
In 2018, John Fetterman spoke publicly about his substantial weight loss of approximately 150 pounds.
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.
November 2020: Called Trump "Internet Troll"
In November 2020, John Fetterman said Donald Trump was "no different than any other random internet troll" in response to election fraud claims.
2020: Received PPP loan
In 2020, Superior Motors received a Paycheck Protection Program loan for $190,000.
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: 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: Stance on Abortion
In May 2022, during a Democratic primary debate, John Fetterman stated his position that abortion is a matter between a woman and her physician, opposing any legal restrictions, including in the third trimester.
May 22, 2022: Discharged from Hospital
On May 22, 2022, John Fetterman was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for the ischemic stroke.
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.
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.
December 2022: Fetterman Posts Photo with Christian Bale
In December 2022, John Fetterman posted a photo of himself and his wife with actor Christian Bale on the set of "The Pale Blue Eye", after making a cameo appearance in the movie.
2022: Political Identity
In 2022, John Fetterman stated that he was "just a Democrat", explaining that many parts of his platform that were once considered progressive are now mainstream beliefs of the party.
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.
2023: Rejection of Progressive Label
In 2023, John Fetterman rejected the progressive label again, leading to NBC News characterizing his ideology as an "unorthodox brand of blue-collar liberalism, with a dash of outsider populism."
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.
November 5, 2024: Disrupted 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 30 seconds before it was scheduled to air.
2024: Shift in Views on Israel
In 2024, commentators noted that John Fetterman's views on Israel had shifted to the right and were more in line with those of Republicans.
2025: Cozying up to Trump
By early 2025, John Fetterman had made a number of moves some liberals criticized as cozying up to Trump.
