John Karl Fetterman

Democrat junior Senator of Pennsylvania

Senator
Pennsylvania
January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2029

202-224-4254

fetterman.senate.gov

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Senate Terms

August 15, 1969 (55 years old)

Birthday

Served as the junior United States senator from Pennsylvania since 2023
Former mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania (2006-2019)
Served as the 34th lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania (2019-2023)
Initially identified as a progressive but later renounced the label
Advocates for healthcare as a right, criminal justice reform, abolishing capital punishment, raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, and legalizing cannabis
Holds degrees in finance from Albright College, an MBA from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University
Worked in the insurance industry before joining AmeriCorps and moving to Braddock to start a youth program
Ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2016 but won the Democratic nomination and general election in 2022
Received national attention as lieutenant governor for efforts to legalize cannabis statewide and opposition to false claims of election fraud
Has tattoos representing Braddock’s ZIP code and the dates of murders that occurred in the town during his mayoral tenure
Involved in a controversial incident where he detained an unarmed jogger with a shotgun, believing he had heard gunfire
Known for revitalizing Braddock through youth and art programs, and for his efforts to attract new residents to the town
Criticized for his handling of a nightclub deemed a public nuisance and for his contentious relationship with the town council
As lieutenant governor, conducted a statewide tour to discuss marijuana legalization and defied a law by flying pride and marijuana flags from his office
His work schedule and attendance at official state business as lieutenant governor were scrutinized for being light and often absent
Chaired the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, advocating for increased commutations and pardons
Publicly criticized Donald Trump’s claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election
Described as having an unorthodox brand of blue-collar liberalism with a dash of outsider populism
Supports Medicare for All, a wealth tax, and greater restrictions on gun purchases, among other positions
Married with three children, known for his casual style of dress, and has struggled with depression and health issues related to a stroke and heart condition