A prominent progressive political organization, the Working Families Party (WFP), has announced its commitment to backing a primary challenger against Democratic Senator John Fetterman in 2028, citing deep dissatisfaction with his recent alignment with Republicans and support for President Trump.
The WFP’s decision marks an official escalation of brewing frustration among some Democrats who believe Fetterman has strayed too far from the party’s progressive base since taking office.
WFP Mid-Atlantic Political Director Shoshanna Israel stated unequivocally that Fetterman “has sold us out.” The group specifically cited several votes as evidence of this perceived betrayal, including:
- Voting with Republicans on a budget bill that WFP claims strips health care funding.
- Support for the GOP’s immigration bill.
- Voting to confirm Pam Bondi as Attorney General.
“The people of Pennsylvania deserve a senator who won’t enable Trump or vote with Republicans to rip health care away from over 400,000 of our neighbors,” Israel said in a statement. “We deserve real working class leadership in the U.S. Senate.”
The Working Families Party is a nationwide progressive group with a significant presence in Pennsylvania, notably boasting two members on the Philadelphia City Council, Kendra Brooks and Nic O’Rourke. The party has also been a staunch supporter of U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Swissvale).
The organization says it is immediately beginning the process of finding and supporting a viable candidate:
- Recruitment and Training: WFP is starting to recruit candidates and enlist campaign volunteers. They plan to hold recruitment events across Pennsylvania in the coming months to train potential challengers and volunteers.
- Fundraising: The group will also begin fundraising efforts to financially support a primary opponent.
While WFP has not yet endorsed a specific individual, speculation about potential challengers has already begun. Rumored candidates include U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia) and Chris Deluzio (D-Aspinwall), as well as former U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb.
The WFP’s formal entry into the 2028 primary landscape signals a clear intent to mobilize progressive voters against the incumbent senator, setting the stage for a potentially divisive and costly intra-party battle for the Democratic nomination.
READ: Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s False Epstein Smear Sparks Media Accountability Firestorm
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
