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 mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2019. Subsequently, he was the 34th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 2019 to 2023. His political career reflects a move from local to state and then federal office within the Democratic party.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

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.

Others born on this day/year

1991: Fetterman Graduates from Albright College

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

1993: Fetterman Receives MBA from UConn

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

1995: Fetterman Joins AmeriCorps

In 1995, after working at Chubb, John Fetterman joined the recently founded AmeriCorps and taught Pittsburgh students pursuing their GEDs.

1996: Pennsylvania Law Banning Same-Sex Marriage

In 1996, a Pennsylvania law was enacted that banned same-sex marriage, which John Fetterman began defying in 2013 by marrying LGBT couples.

1999: Fetterman Graduates from Harvard

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

2001: Fetterman Creates Youth Program

In 2001, John Fetterman led the creation of the Braddock Out-of-School-Youth Program to help local youth earn their GEDs.

2004: Cox Arrested

In 2004, Jayme Cox was arrested, which later became a point of contention during the 2009 mayoral campaign when Fetterman released non-public records of the arrest.

2004: Fetterman Moves to Braddock

In 2004, John Fetterman moved to Braddock after his service with AmeriCorps.

2005: Fetterman Wins Mayoral Election

In 2005, John Fetterman won the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock by a single vote against incumbent Pauline Abdullah. He then won the general election unopposed.

2006: Fetterman Becomes Mayor

In 2006, John Fetterman began his service as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, a position he held until 2019.

2006: Fetterman Opposes Expressway Expansion

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

February 25, 2009: Fetterman Appears on Colbert Report

On February 25, 2009, John Fetterman appeared on the Colbert Report and discussed Braddock's economic difficulties.

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2009: Fetterman Wins Primary Amidst Controversy

In 2009, during the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock, Jayme Cox criticized John Fetterman for abuse of power after Fetterman released non-public records that showed Cox was arrested in 2004. Fetterman defeated Cox in the primary.

2009: Town Council Attempts to Remove Fetterman

In 2009, members of the Braddock town council attempted to have John Fetterman removed and arrested after he criticized a political opponent, and he was cited for an occupancy permit violation.

November 2010: Fetterman Seeks 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: Fetterman Arrested During Protest

In November 2010, John Fetterman was arrested and immediately released after protesting the closure of Braddock Hospital at the U.S. Steel Tower in Pittsburgh.

2010: Joe Sestak's Senate Run

In 2010, Joe Sestak was the Democratic nominee for Senate.

2012: Fetterman Casts Vote

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

January 2013: Fetterman Detains Jogger with Shotgun

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

2013: Fetterman and Sousa Establish Restaurant

In 2013, John Fetterman and celebrity chef Kevin Sousa established a restaurant called Superior Motors in Braddock.

2013: Fetterman Wins Mayoral Primary

In 2013, John Fetterman handily won the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock and was unopposed in the general election.

2013: Fetterman Marries LGBT Couples

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

September 14, 2015: Fetterman announces candidacy for U.S. Senate

On September 14, 2015, Fetterman announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Pat Toomey in the 2016 election.

2015: Fetterman Receives Financial Support from Father

In 2015, John Fetterman received payments of $54,000 from his father to subsidize his position as mayor.

2016: Fetterman runs for U.S. Senate

In 2016, Fetterman ran for U.S. Senate but was considered a long shot against Katie McGinty and Joe Sestak.

2016: Fetterman's progressive campaign for Senate

In 2016, Fetterman's campaign for Senate focused on progressive values and grassroots support, drawing comparisons to Bernie Sanders. He garnered 20% of the primary vote despite low funding and name recognition.

November 14, 2017: Fetterman Announces Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor

On November 14, 2017, John Fetterman announced that he would run for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.

2017: Fetterman Wins Mayoral Primary

In 2017, John Fetterman handily won the Democratic primary for mayor of Braddock and was unopposed in the general election.

2017: Superior Motors Opens

In 2017, the restaurant Superior Motors opened in Braddock.

November 6, 2018: Wolf and Fetterman Win Election

On November 6, 2018, Tom Wolf and John Fetterman defeated the Republican ticket in the general election, securing their positions as Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, respectively.

2018: Fetterman Elected Lieutenant Governor

In 2018, John Fetterman was elected as the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, defeating Mike Stack in the Democratic primary and winning the general election with Tom Wolf.

January 15, 2019: Fetterman Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor

On January 15, 2019, John Fetterman was sworn into office as the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, and was tasked by Governor Tom Wolf to look into legalizing marijuana statewide.

January 2019: Light Work Schedule

From his inauguration in January 2019 until May 2022, John Fetterman's official schedule as lieutenant governor was blank for one-third of workdays.

2019: Fetterman Becomes Lieutenant Governor

In 2019, John Fetterman became the 34th lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, serving until 2023.

November 2020: Fetterman Responds to Trump's Election Fraud Claims

In November 2020, John Fetterman responded to Donald Trump's threat to file lawsuits alleging voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, stating Trump was "no different than any other random internet troll".

2020: Low Senate Attendance

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

2020: Superior Motors Receives PPP Loan

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

2020: Response to Trump's voter fraud claims in Pennsylvania

In 2020, after Joe Biden won the presidential election in Pennsylvania and Trump claimed voter fraud, Fetterman certified three cases of voter fraud in Pennsylvania where individuals voted on behalf of dead relatives, all for Trump. He sarcastically suggested that Texas lieutenant governor Dan Patrick should pay $1 million for each case, gaining nationwide publicity.

January 2021: Fetterman Launches Exploratory Committee for Senate Run

In January 2021, Fetterman announced the launch of an exploratory committee for the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania.

February 4, 2021: Fetterman files candidacy statement for U.S. Senate

On February 4, 2021, Fetterman officially filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission declaring his intention to run for the Senate seat.

February 8, 2021: Fetterman officially enters the U.S. Senate race

On February 8, 2021, Fetterman officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania.

February 2021: Fetterman Embraces Green Ideals

In February 2021, Fetterman expressed his support for the green ideal and acknowledged the reality of the climate crisis, aligning himself with the principles of the Green New Deal.

2021: Fetterman's stance on fracking

In 2021, Fetterman supported moving towards a "de facto moratorium" on fracking because the transition is going to be toward green and renewable energy".

2021: Fetterman Announces Senate Candidacy

In 2021, John Fetterman announced his candidacy for the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania.

2021: Low Senate Attendance

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

2021: Superior Motors Closes

In 2021, the restaurant Superior Motors closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2022: Light Work Schedule

From his inauguration in January 2019 until May 2022, John Fetterman's official schedule as lieutenant governor was blank for one-third of workdays.

May 2022: Fetterman on Abortion Rights

In May 2022, during a Democratic primary debate, Fetterman stated that abortion decisions should be between a woman and her physician, opposing any legal restrictions on abortion, including in the third trimester.

August 2022: Fetterman's first public appearance after stroke

In August 2022, Fetterman made his first public appearance since recovering from a stroke at a rally in Erie. His speech was somewhat halted at times.

September 2022: Fetterman Agrees to Debate Oz

In September 2022, Oz called on Fetterman to debate him. Fetterman agreed to debate in "the middle to end of October" but did not commit to a specific date in September, leading to criticism and raising questions about his fitness to serve.

October 2022: Fetterman gives first in-person interview since stroke

In October 2022, Fetterman gave his first in-person interview since his stroke, to Dasha Burns on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, requiring closed-captioning technology. The interview sparked debate over his ability to understand questions.

2022: Fetterman Runs for U.S. Senate

In 2022, Fetterman ran for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania.

2022: Fetterman Wins Senate Election

In 2022, John Fetterman won the Democratic nomination and defeated Mehmet Oz in the general election to become a U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania.

2022: Fetterman identifies as Democrat

In 2022, while running for Senate, Fetterman stated he was not a progressive, but "just a Democrat."

January 3, 2023: Fetterman takes office as Senator

On January 3, 2023, Fetterman took office as a U.S. Senator, becoming the tallest currently serving senator.

February 10, 2023: Fetterman Hospitalized for Syncope

On February 10, 2023, Fetterman was hospitalized for syncope (lightheadedness) for two days, followed by hospitalization for severe major depression. He spent about two months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, continuing to review legislation. During this time, he co-sponsored a bipartisan rail safety bill.

February 2023: Fetterman Attends First Agriculture Committee Hearing

In February 2023, Fetterman attended his first Agriculture Committee hearing, asking questions about trade and organic farming, but stumbled slightly over his words.

April 17, 2023: Fetterman Returns to Senate to Chair Subcommittee

On April 17, 2023, Fetterman returned to the Senate to chair the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry subcommittee on food and nutrition, specialty crops, organics and research. His voice stumbled at times, but he appeared in good spirits and delivered a message about fighting hunger.

October 2023: Fetterman calls for Menendez expulsion

In October 2023, after federal prosecutors accused New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez of taking bribes, Fetterman was the first senator to call for his expulsion.

2023: Fetterman Votes Against Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, Fetterman voted against the final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, motivated by the new SNAP requirements that raised the age of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependent children.

2023: Fetterman Becomes Senator

In 2023, John Fetterman became the senior United States senator from Pennsylvania, holding the seat since then.

2023: Fetterman Ideology Described as Blue-Collar Liberalism

In 2023, after Fetterman rejected the progressive label again, NBC News described his ideology as an "unorthodox brand of blue-collar liberalism, with a dash of outsider populism."

March 26, 2024: Fetterman Denounced Biden Administration on U.N. Ceasefire Vote

On March 26, 2024, John Fetterman and Representative Josh Gottheimer criticized the Biden administration for not opposing a U.N. Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire for Ramadan, with Fetterman reportedly advocating for continued military action against Hamas.

May 2024: Chief of Staff Expresses Concerns About Fetterman's Mental Health

In May 2024, John Fetterman's chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, wrote a letter expressing concern over Fetterman's mental health and describing behaviors such as "conspiratorial thinking" and avoiding medical checkups.

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 and were hospitalized. Fetterman was found to be at fault for rear-ending another vehicle while speeding.

June 2024: Fetterman Visits Israel, Praised by Netanyahu

In June 2024, John Fetterman visited Israel, meeting with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who lauded Fetterman as a staunch supporter of Israel.

November 5, 2024: Fetterman disrupts Jon Stewart's election special

On November 5, 2024, 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: Fetterman's Stance After Trump's 2024 Election Victory

In December 2024, after Donald Trump won the 2024 United States presidential election, Fetterman expressed a willingness to vote to confirm some of Trump's cabinet appointees and asked Democrats to "chill out", emphasizing the importance of supporting the country and president.

2024: Fetterman's Views on Israel Shift Rightward

In 2024, commentators noted that Fetterman's views on Israel shifted to the right and were more aligned with Republicans.

2024: Fetterman blames progressives for Trump victory

In a 2025 interview reflecting on the 2024 election, Fetterman attributed Trump's win to progressives, arguing their extreme views alienate voters in key states.

March 2025: Fetterman Misses Roll-Call Votes and Explains Absence

By March 2025, 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 and preferred spending Mondays with his children instead of attending procedural votes. He also criticized hearings and quit the Democratic Caucus group chat.

March 2025: Fetterman calls for Democrats to be more ruthless and to vote for Republican funding bill

In March 2025, Fetterman called for Democrats to be more ruthless like Republicans to pass legislative priorities. He criticized Democrats for pandering to the left and voted for a Republican-led stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, especially regarding the Gaza war and Israel.

March 2025: Fetterman advocates for simpler political language

In March 2025, Fetterman urged Democrats to communicate like "regular" people instead of using complex terms such as "oligarchy". He also voiced his concerns about the negative impact of "unlimited money" in politics.