Republican Senator Defends Democratic Lawmaker After 'Vicious Attacks' Detailed Concerns for His Mental Health: 'Not the John I Know'

Republican Senator Dave McCormick publicly defended Democratic Senator John Fetterman, calling recent reports questioning Fetterman's health and behavior "vicious, personal attacks" and urging critics to put politics aside.

Senator Fetterman has come under fire following two reports. The first being a New York Magazine article quoting unnamed current and former staffers who claimed he has been acting erratically, and another being an Associated Press story describing a meeting with a teachers union that allegedly ended with Fetterman shouting, repeating himself, and slamming his hands on a desk.

The AP reported the incident took place a day before the magazine piece published, and left one staffer in tears. Fetterman responded by dismissing both stories as politically motivated smear campaigns, calling the New York Magazine article "a one-source hit piece" and vowing to serve out his term.

On Friday, McCormick came to Fetterman's defense in a statement on X, asking for the "vicious attacks" to stop.

"It's time to put politics aside and stop these vicious, personal attacks against Senator Fetterman, his wife, and his health. While we have many differences, we are both committed to working together to achieve results for the people of Pennsylvania and make their lives better. He is authentic, decent, principled, and a fighter. These disgraceful smears against him are not the John that I know and respect," McCormick said.

His defense drew praise from some for its bipartisanship, while others remain critical of Fetterman's recent conduct and have questioned his ability to serve.

Fetterman himself has not confirmed whether he intends to run for re-election in 2028, telling reporters, "who knows what's going to happen."