Pennsylvania U.S. Senator (Class 3) — John Karl Fetterman

John Karl Fetterman was born August 15, 1969, in West Reading, Pennsylvania. He served as mayor of Braddock from 2006-2019, focusing on revitalizing the struggling steel town through arts and youth programs. He was Pennsylvania's 34th Lieutenant Governor from 2019-2023 and has served as the state's senior U.S. Senator since January 2023.

Fight for abortion rights and protect women's health

Status: ongoing

Voted against the GOP's Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1) in 2025, which gutted Medicaid. However, in March 2025 he voted with all other Senate Democrats against a bill banning trans girls and women from women's sports, indicating nuanced positions on healthcare issues.

Raise the minimum wage and fight for working families

Status: ongoing

No major minimum wage legislation has passed. Fetterman co-sponsored the Railway Safety Act of 2023 and 2026 to improve rail safety standards, and secured federal disaster relief for Pennsylvania communities. He also co-sponsored the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act and advocates for expanded SNAP benefits.

Protect Social Security and Medicare; expand Medicare benefits to include vision, hearing, and dental

Status: in-progress

No comprehensive Medicare expansion has passed. Fetterman voted against the Big Beautiful Bill which would have gutted Medicaid, indicating continued support for healthcare protections. However, specific legislative action on expanding Medicare benefits has not materialized.

Eliminate the filibuster to pass major legislation

Status: abandoned

Fetterman has not pushed to eliminate the filibuster. In 2024-2025, he voted to advance cloture motions to end debate on various bills, including the Laken Riley Act and government funding bills, but has not sponsored legislation to eliminate the filibuster rule itself.

Legalize cannabis

Status: in-progress

No federal legalization has occurred. Fetterman continues to advocate for cannabis legalization but has not introduced or passed major legislation. He previously conducted a statewide tour as Lieutenant Governor studying cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania.

Fight gun violence and pass tougher gun laws

Status: in-progress

No major gun control legislation has passed. Fetterman has not introduced standalone gun control bills. However, he voted for cloture on the Laken Riley Act, which focuses on border security rather than gun violence prevention.

Senator Tracker· Class 3

JF

John Karl Fetterman

Democrat (D)In office since 2023-01-03· Term ends 2029-01-03

Previously:Mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania (2006-2019)34th Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania (2019-2023)

Committees:Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and ForestryCommittee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationCommittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Ranking Member of Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee)Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission)

Approval Rating

46%

Quinnipiac University Poll

Agenda Progress

0 / 6

promises completed

At a Glance

📋 6 tracked promises📝 10 recent actions⚠ 5 controversies⚠ 5 contradictions

Click the tabs above to explore agenda tracking, recent actions, transparency issues, and more.

◆ Sources

Wikipedia - John Fetterman Quinnipiac University Poll - Pennsylvania Approval GovTrack - Sen. John Fetterman Congress.gov - John Fetterman U.S. Senator John Fetterman - Official Senate Website Spotlight PA - Fetterman 2028 Reelection Newsweek - Fetterman Over Mullin Vote CNN Politics - Fetterman Mental Health Allegations Fox News - Democrats Target Fetterman Philadelphia Citizen - Behind the Attacks CBS News - Fetterman Voting Record

Last updated: 2026-04-10