>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
Axios reports that several ambitious Pennsylvania Democrats have already begun quietly building their campaigns, exploring fundraising options and carving out potential messages for 2028. Others are leaving the door wide open in case the senator decides not to run again.
One major factor looming over the next race is Fetterman’s health. He suffered a stroke just weeks before the 2022 general election and has continued his recovery while in office. His health has fueled even more speculation that the Democratic establishment might want a new standard-bearer.
Several names are already floating to the top of the list. Among them: Rep. Brendan Boyle, a progressive firebrand from Philadelphia; Rep. Chris Deluzio, a left-wing populist from Pittsburgh; and Conor Lamb, who is eyeing a comeback after stepping away from Congress in 2023.
Boyle has been especially vocal in his attacks on the senator. He recently labeled Fetterman “Trump’s favorite Democrat” and accused him of visiting Mar-a-Lago to “kiss the ring.”
Deluzio, who first won office in 2022, has been carefully crafting an image as a Rust Belt progressive with blue-collar appeal — a direct contrast to Fetterman’s increasingly centrist tone. Lamb, meanwhile, has been jabbing at Fetterman in the press, earning applause from left-wing figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
But Fetterman isn’t exactly shaking in his boots. When asked about the growing rebellion in his party, the senator brushed it off, telling Axios, “Enjoy your clickbait!”
The senator also fired back using the left’s favorite tool — “data.” He pointed to a conservative group’s voting scorecard showing that he ranks among “the least Trump-aligned Democratic lawmakers” in the state. According to that analysis, Fetterman has voted with the administration’s agenda only six percent of the time.
In a not-so-subtle jab, Fetterman noted that Rep. Boyle — one of his loudest critics — has sided with the administration nearly 14 percent of the time.
Fetterman has remained tight-lipped about whether he plans to seek another term in the Senate or make a run for the White House. Reports have long suggested he harbors presidential ambitions, though nothing has been confirmed.
Axios pressed all three rumored challengers on their plans. None of them ruled out a run.
Boyle told the outlet, “Right now I’m focused on doing all I can to ensure Democrats win back the House in 2026. … After that, I will make a decision about 2028.”
Deluzio avoided a direct answer as well, instead pointing to his involvement in upcoming state judicial races and the 2026 midterms. He’s also been expanding his national reach by appearing with Senator Bernie Sanders at rallies across the country.
Lamb gave the briefest response, saying he’s tied up with legal work. “I am in the middle of a trial and cannot discuss politics at this time,” he said.
What’s clear is that the progressive wing of the Democratic Party smells blood in the water. Fetterman, once their champion, has now become the obstacle. If this civil war escalates, it could split Pennsylvania Democrats wide open — and give Republicans a major opening in a state that has decided presidential elections before.
