History of John Fetterman in Timeline
John Fetterman is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania since 2023. A Democrat, he previously served as the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023. Prior to that, he was the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, from 2006 to 2019. His political career has been centered in Pennsylvania, progressing from local leadership to a national role.
August 15, 1969: John Fetterman Born
On August 15, 1969, John Karl Fetterman was born. He is now a 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 University of Connecticut
In 1993, John Fetterman received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Connecticut (UConn).
1995: Joined AmeriCorps
In 1995, after a corporate career at Chubb, John Fetterman joined AmeriCorps and was sent to teach Pittsburgh students pursuing their GEDs.
1996: Pennsylvania Law Banned Same-Sex Marriage
In 1996, a Pennsylvania law banned same-sex marriage, which John Fetterman began defying in 2013.
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.
2001: Led Creation of Braddock Youth Program
In 2001, John Fetterman led the creation of the Braddock Out-of-School-Youth Program, helping local youth earn their GEDs.
2004: Arrest Record of Jayme Cox
In 2004, Jayme Cox was arrested. During the 2009 campaign, Fetterman released this information, leading to criticism that he abused his mayoral authority.
2004: Moved to Braddock
In 2004, John Fetterman moved to Braddock, Pennsylvania, after his service with AmeriCorps led him there.
2005: Elected Mayor of Braddock
In 2005, John Fetterman ran for and won the election to become mayor of Braddock, defeating the incumbent Pauline Abdullah in the Democratic primary by a single vote.
2006: Became Mayor of Braddock
In 2006, John Fetterman became the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania.
2006: Opposed Expressway Expansion
In 2006, John Fetterman opposed the expansion of the Mon-Fayette Expressway, arguing it would destroy Braddock.
2007: Meeting Gisele Barreto
In 2007, Gisele Barreto (later Gisele Barreto Fetterman) heard about John Fetterman's work as mayor of Braddock and wrote him a letter. Fetterman invited Almeida to visit Braddock.
2008: Tax Lien Against Fetterman and Braddock Redux
In 2008, Allegheny County sued John Fetterman and his nonprofit Braddock Redux for unpaid taxes, resulting in a $25,000 tax lien.
February 25, 2009: Appeared on Colbert Report
On February 25, 2009, John Fetterman appeared on The Colbert Report, discussing the economic difficulties Braddock faced.
2009: Defeated Jayme Cox in Primary Election
In 2009, John Fetterman defeated Jayme Cox in the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock despite criticism about his mayoral authority.
2009: Town Council Attempted Removal
In 2009, members of the Braddock town council attempted to have John Fetterman removed from a meeting and arrested after he criticized a political opponent.
November 2010: Arrested at Protest
In November 2010, John Fetterman was arrested and immediately released after protesting the closure of Braddock Hospital.
2010: Levi Strauss & Company Donation
In 2010, Levi Strauss & Company donated money for Braddock's revitalization and featured the town in an advertising campaign and documentary produced by the Sundance Channel.
2012: Cast One Vote as Mayor
In 2012, John Fetterman cast only one vote during his tenure as mayor to help the borough council choose a president.
2012: Payment of Unpaid Taxes
In 2012, John Fetterman paid off the unpaid taxes owed by him and his nonprofit, Braddock Redux.
January 2013: Shotgun Incident
In January 2013, John Fetterman detained an unarmed Black jogger, Chris Miyares, with a shotgun in North Braddock after hearing what he thought was gunfire.
2013: Established Superior Motors Restaurant
In 2013, John Fetterman and celebrity chef Kevin Sousa established a restaurant in Braddock called Superior Motors.
2013: Won Democratic Primary
In 2013, John Fetterman handily won the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock.
2013: Fetterman Works on "Out of the Furnace" Film
In 2013, John Fetterman worked with Christian Bale and director Scott Cooper when they filmed "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 began to marry LGBT couples inside his home.
September 14, 2015: Announced Candidacy for U.S. Senate
On September 14, 2015, John Fetterman announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in the 2016 election.
2015: Received Money From Father
In 2015, John Fetterman received $54,000 from his father to subsidize him financially since the position of mayor paid only $150 per month.
2015: Described as Non-Interventionist
In 2015, The Patriot-News described John Fetterman as a non-interventionist. Fetterman stated that the U.S. should not be considered the world's police officers.
2015: Labeled as Skeptic of Free Trade
In 2015, The Patriot-News labeled John Fetterman as a "skeptic of free trade" due to his opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Fetterman agreed with President Trump that tariffs could bring back manufacturing jobs.
2016: Ran for US Senate
In 2016, John Fetterman ran for the U.S. Senate but finished third in the Democratic primary.
2016: Senate Campaign and Primary Result
In 2016, John Fetterman's U.S. Senate campaign focused on progressive values. Despite low funding and polling numbers, he garnered 20% of the primary vote and finished third. After the primary, Fetterman campaigned on behalf of McGinty.
November 14, 2017: Announced Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor
On November 14, 2017, John Fetterman announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.
2017: Won Democratic Primary
In 2017, John Fetterman handily won the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock.
2017: Fetterman diagnosed with atrial fibrillation
In 2017, John Fetterman was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation but did not seek follow-up treatment for five years. He expressed regret over ignoring his health after this diagnosis.
2017: Fetterman Hospitalized and Diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation
In 2017, John Fetterman's feet began to swell suddenly, leading to hospitalization. At that time, he was diagnosed with "atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, along with a decreased heart pump" by cardiologist Ramesh Chandra.
2017: Superior Motors Restaurant Opened
In 2017, the Superior Motors restaurant, established by John Fetterman and Kevin Sousa, officially opened.
November 6, 2018: Won Election for Lieutenant Governor
On November 6, 2018, John Fetterman and Tom Wolf defeated the Republican ticket of Scott Wagner and Jeff Bartos in the general election to become Lieutenant Governor.
2018: Tony Buba's Criticism
In 2018, Braddock-based filmmaker Tony Buba criticized John Fetterman's impact as mayor, pointing out the stagnation of Braddock's population and the low average household income.
2018: Fetterman Publicly Speaks About Weight Loss
In 2018, John Fetterman publicly discussed his significant weight loss. He had lost approximately 150 pounds (70 kg) after previously weighing over 400 pounds (180 kg).
2018: Elected Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
In 2018, John Fetterman was elected as the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, winning the election with incumbent governor Tom Wolf.
January 15, 2019: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor
On January 15, 2019, John Fetterman was sworn into office as the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, replacing Mike Stack.
January 2019: Inauguration as Lieutenant Governor
In January 2019, John Fetterman was inaugurated as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. An Associated Press review later found that he often kept a light work schedule and was frequently absent from official state business from his inauguration in January 2019 until May 2022.
June 4, 2019: Fetterman Collapses While Presiding Over State Senate
On June 4, 2019, John Fetterman reportedly collapsed while presiding over the State Senate. He became wobbly and grabbed the lectern to prevent himself from falling. He was examined by the Capitol's nursing staff, and his spokesperson later said he had become overheated and was "back to normal".
2019: Became Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
In 2019, John Fetterman became the 34th lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.
November 2020: Comments on Donald Trump
In November 2020, John Fetterman stated that Donald Trump was "no different than any other random internet troll" and that Trump "can sue a ham sandwich" in response to Trump threatening lawsuits alleging voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election in Pennsylvania.
2020: Response to Voter Fraud Allegations
In 2020, after Trump's claims of voter fraud in Pennsylvania, John Fetterman responded to Texas lieutenant governor Dan Patrick's reward offer by certifying three cases of voter fraud, lampooning the alleged fraud and gaining nationwide publicity.
2020: Restaurant Received PPP Loan
In 2020, the Superior Motors restaurant received a Paycheck Protection Program loan for $190,000.
January 2021: Launched exploratory committee for 2022 Senate election
In January 2021, John Fetterman announced he was launching an exploratory committee for the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania.
February 4, 2021: Filed candidacy statement for U.S. Senate
On February 4, 2021, John Fetterman filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission declaring his intention to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Toomey.
February 8, 2021: Officially entered U.S. Senate race
On February 8, 2021, John Fetterman officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania.
February 2021: Comments on Green Ideal and Fracking
In February 2021, John Fetterman told MSNBC that he is embracing what the green ideal considers a priority, and that he supports moving towards a de facto moratorium on fracking because the transition is going to be toward green and renewable energy.
2021: Miyares Speaks on the 2013 Incident
In 2021, Chris Miyares wrote that John Fetterman had "lied about everything" that happened during the 2013 incident, but that Fetterman had "done far more good than that one bad act".
2021: Announced Candidacy for US Senate
In 2021, John Fetterman announced his candidacy in the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania.
2021: Superior Motors Closed
In 2021, the Superior Motors restaurant closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 13, 2022: Fetterman Suffers an Ischemic Stroke
On May 13, 2022, John Fetterman experienced an ischemic stroke and was hospitalized. The stroke was caused by a clot resulting from atrial fibrillation. Fetterman also had cardiomyopathy, so his doctors implanted a pacemaker and defibrillator.
May 2022: Stroke Diagnosis Made Public
In May 2022, John Fetterman's 2017 diagnosis of "atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, along with a decreased heart pump" by cardiologist Ramesh Chandra, became public knowledge following Fetterman's stroke.
May 2022: Stance on Abortion Rights
In May 2022, during a Democratic primary debate, John Fetterman stated his position that abortion decisions should be between a woman and her physician, opposing any legal restrictions, even in the third trimester.
May 22, 2022: Fetterman Discharged From Hospital
On May 22, 2022, John Fetterman was discharged from the hospital after being treated for an ischemic stroke. Doctors reported that he did not sustain cognitive damage and expected a full recovery.
June 2022: Chandra's Letter on Fetterman's Health
In a letter in early June 2022, Dr. Chandra stated that John Fetterman was "well compensated and stable" and would be fine if he took his medications, ate healthily, and exercised.
August 2022: First Public Appearance Since Stroke
In August 2022, John Fetterman made his first public appearance in Erie after recovering from a stroke. His speech was somewhat halted at times, according to Politico.
September 2022: Debate Challenges and Agreement
In September 2022, Mehmet Oz challenged John Fetterman to a debate before early voting. Fetterman agreed to a debate in October. An agreement was reached on September 15 for a single debate on October 25.
October 2022: First In-Person Interview Since Stroke
In October 2022, John Fetterman gave his first in-person interview since his stroke to Dasha Burns on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, requiring closed-captioning technology to read questions. Doubts were raised about his comprehension, leading to criticism.
October 2022: Medical Update Shows Improvement in Fetterman's Communication
In October 2022, a medical update from John Fetterman's primary care physician noted that he "spoke intelligently without cognitive deficits" during examination. It also stated that his communication had significantly improved since his first visit with the doctor. Fetterman uses closed captioning to help with his auditory processing disorder and attends speech therapy regularly.
December 2022: Fetterman Posts Photo with Christian Bale on Movie Set
In December 2022, John Fetterman posted a photo of himself and his wife alongside actor Christian Bale on the set of the film "The Pale Blue Eye".
2022: Fetterman Receives Cardioverter-Defibrillator
In 2022, John Fetterman received an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator due to heart issues. This device is designed to detect ventricular fibrillation and deliver a shock to restore normal rhythm.
2022: Won the US Senate Election
In 2022, John Fetterman won the Democratic nomination and defeated Republican nominee Mehmet Oz in the general election with 51% of the vote to become US Senator.
2022: Declared Self 'Just a Democrat'
In 2022, while running for Senate, John Fetterman stated he was not a progressive, but "just a Democrat", noting that many parts of his platform once considered progressive are now mainstream.
January 3, 2023: Fetterman takes office
On January 3, 2023, John Fetterman took office as a U.S. Senator. Adjustments were made to the Senate chamber to assist with his speech processing issues.
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 reported that he was in "good spirits and talking with his staff and family" and that his hospitalization was unrelated to his stroke.
February 10, 2023: Hospitalized for Syncope
On February 10, 2023, John Fetterman was hospitalized for syncope (lightheadedness) for two days.
February 2023: Attended first Agriculture Committee hearing
In February 2023, John Fetterman attended his first Agriculture Committee hearing, asking questions on trade and organic farming, but stumbled slightly over his words.
February 16, 2023: Fetterman Checks Himself Into Walter Reed Hospital for Depression
On February 16, 2023, John Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed Hospital due to clinical depression. He was expected to remain hospitalized for "likely less than two months" while undergoing treatment.
April 17, 2023: Returned to Senate to Chair Subcommittee
On April 17, 2023, John Fetterman returned to the Senate to chair the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry subcommittee on food and nutrition, specialty crops, organics and research.
September 2023: Relaxation and Reversal of Senate Dress Code
In September 2023, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer initially relaxed the Senate dress code, perceived as a reaction to John Fetterman's casual style. However, later in September, the Senate reversed this decision, unanimously passing the "SHORTS Act" (S.Res. 376), which established the Senate's first official dress code.
October 2023: Called for expulsion of Senator Bob Menendez
In October 2023, John Fetterman was the first senator to call for the expulsion of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez after federal prosecutors accused him of taking bribes.
December 2023: Statement on Not Being a Progressive on Immigration
In a December 2023 interview, John Fetterman stated "I'm not a progressive" in regard to immigration, signaling a potential ideological departure from his party.
2023: Rejection of Progressive Label
After John Fetterman rejected the progressive label again in 2023, NBC News described his ideology as an "unorthodox brand of blue-collar liberalism, with a dash of outsider populism."
2023: Became US Senator
In 2023, John Fetterman began serving as the senior United States Senator from Pennsylvania.
March 26, 2024: Denouncement of Biden Administration on U.N. Ceasefire Resolution
On March 26, 2024, John Fetterman, along with Representative Josh Gottheimer, publicly denounced the Biden administration for not voting against a U.N. Security Council resolution that demanded a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan, also calling for the release of hostages.
May 2024: Jentleson Expresses Concern Over Fetterman's Mental Health
In May 2024, John Fetterman's chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, wrote a letter to Walter Reed Hospital expressing concern over Fetterman's mental health and alleged erratic behavior, citing "conspiratorial thinking", "megalomania", rambling monologues, reckless driving, obvious lies, avoiding checkups, and pushing away people responsible for his recovery.
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. Fetterman was found to be at fault for rear-ending another vehicle while speeding.
June 2024: Visit to Israel
In June 2024, John Fetterman visited Israel, meeting with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised Fetterman as a staunch friend of Israel. During the visit, Fetterman reaffirmed his support for Israel's stance against a permanent ceasefire that would allow Hamas to remain functional.
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.
December 2024: Called for Democrats to "chill out" after Trump won election
In December 2024, John Fetterman asked Democrats to "chill out" after Donald Trump won the 2024 election, emphasizing the importance of supporting the president for the sake of the nation.
2024: Stroke gave him the freedom to leave progressivism
In 2024, John Fetterman said in an interview with Bill Maher that his stroke gave him the freedom to leave progressivism, and called it "very liberating".
2024: Wearing a Suit and Tie for Netanyahu Visit
In 2024, John Fetterman wore a suit and tie when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the United States, contrasting with his usual casual attire.
2024: Shifting Views on Israel
In 2024, commentators noted John Fetterman's views on Israel appeared to shift to the right, aligning more with Republicans.
2024: Progressives won election for Trump
In a 2025 interview with the Financial Times, John Fetterman said that progressives had won the 2024 election for Trump and are "intent" on doing it again.
January 2025: Co-sponsorship of Kids Off Social Media Act
In January 2025, John Fetterman co-sponsored the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), alongside Senators Brian Schatz, Chris Murphy, Ted Cruz, and Katie Britt, which aimed to set a minimum age of 13 for social media use and restrict algorithmically targeted content to users under 17.
January 2025: Open to Greenland Acquisition
In January 2025, John Fetterman expressed openness to the United States acquiring Greenland, a proposal initially suggested by Trump. He later joked about wanting to be appointed "Pope of Greenland," viewing the acquisition as a responsible conservation effort.
January 2025: Vote on Sanctioning the 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 Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant.
February 2025: Support for U.S. Troops in Gaza
In February 2025, John Fetterman stated he would "fully support" the deployment of U.S. troops in Gaza, following President Trump's proposal regarding Gaza Strip ownership, which he called "provocative" but part of the conversation.
March 2025: Missed Roll-Call Votes
By March 2025, John Fetterman had missed more roll-call votes than any other U.S. senator for the year, explaining that he often checked in with his father on Thursdays and spent Mondays with his children.
March 2025: Call for Democrats to Talk Like Regular People
In March 2025, John Fetterman urged Democrats to communicate using simpler language accessible to the general public, rather than using terms like "oligarchy" that may not be widely understood.
March 2025: Vote Against Bill Banning Transgender Athletes
In March 2025, John Fetterman voted against a bill that aimed to ban trans girls and women from participating in women's sports, stating his support for transgender athletes.
March 2025: Voting on Stopgap Funding Bill
In March 2025, John Fetterman was one of nine Senate Democrats who voted for cloture on a Republican-led stopgap funding bill aimed at preventing a federal government shutdown. He also criticized fellow Democrats for pandering to "extreme voices" regarding the Gaza war and Israel, advocating for the Republican funding bill instead.
June 2025: Vote Against War Powers Resolution on Iran
In June 2025, John Fetterman was the sole Democratic senator to vote against a war powers resolution aimed at preventing President Trump from launching further strikes on Iran after attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
September 2025: Vote Against War Powers Resolution on Venezuela
In September 2025, John Fetterman was the only Democratic senator to vote with all Republican senators against a war powers resolution designed to prevent President Trump from launching further strikes in the Caribbean after attacks on Venezuelan boats.
November 11, 2025: Release of Memoir "Unfettered"
On November 11, 2025, John Fetterman's memoir, "Unfettered", co-written with Buzz Bissinger, was released.
November 13, 2025: Fetterman Suffers Ventricular Fibrillation Episode
On November 13, 2025, while walking in Braddock, John Fetterman suffered a ventricular fibrillation episode, causing him to fall on his face and sustain minor injuries requiring 20 stitches. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm that results in cardiac arrest.
2025: Moves Closer to Trump
By mid-2025, John Fetterman made moves characterized as becoming closer to Donald Trump, while repeatedly criticizing Democrats, leading to praise from Trump.
2025: Hardline Stance on Iran's Nuclear Program
In 2025, John Fetterman advocated for a hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear program, calling for its destruction and asserting that negotiations are futile with a regime destabilizing the region. He suggested military action, including strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
2025: Became Pennsylvania's Senior Senator
In 2025, John Fetterman became Pennsylvania's senior senator following the defeat of Bob Casey Jr..
2025: Fetterman Subject of Diss Track by RXKNephew
In 2025, John Fetterman became the subject of a diss track by RXKNephew, commissioned by Chapo Trap House.
2025: Comments on Progressives
In a 2025 interview with the Financial Times, John Fetterman said that some of the most extreme progressive voices are coming from far-blue places removed from the real fight in states that decide the White House.
2026: Criticism of ICE Tactics and Support for Funding
In 2026, John Fetterman criticized Operation Metro Surge and ICE's tactics after ICE agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. Despite calls from Pennsylvania's Democratic congressional members, Fetterman supported a compromise bill that diminished DHS funding but maintained funding for other agencies to avoid a government shutdown.
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