John Fetterman Says He Would Leave Democratic Party if It Becomes “Anti-Israel”

Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said he would leave the Democratic Party if it ever formally became what he called “the anti-Israel party,” though he did not say what political affiliation he would adopt instead.

Fetterman made the comment Wednesday during an interview with The Hill at the Hill Nation Summit in Washington, D.C. He said he otherwise has no plans to leave the party but considers continued support for Israel an absolute requirement and the only thing that would make him change his mind.

“If our party ever becomes, and just makes it official, the anti-Israel party, that’s when I would leave because that’s been a moral clarity for me,” Fetterman said.

Fetterman said in the discussion that he is concerned that Democrats are increasingly turning against Israel, pointing to growing support within the party for reducing or otherwise ending American support of the country. He also cited the success of Democratic primary candidates who have been strongly critical of Israel as evidence of a gradual shift within the organization, saying it was becoming “more anti-Israel and hostile to people” who are such supporters.

Although Fetterman did not indicate what affiliation he might adopt, he acknowledged that Republicans have privately approached him about leaving the Democratic Party. He declined to identify those involved or provide details about the conversations when asked by the moderator.

Fetterman has repeatedly rejected speculation that he might leave the Democratic Party and has drawn frequent criticism from progressives in the party. Since his win in the 2022 election cycle, he has drawn ire over his strong support for Israel, views on immigration enforcement, vote to end the 2025 government shutdown, and willingness to work with Republicans.

Writing in The Washington Post in May, he said he had “no plans to leave” the organization and joked that he would be a “terrible Republican” because he still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats. However, his remarks at the summit are the first time he has ever gone so far as to draw a line in the sand that crossing would prompt him to leave.

If Fetterman ever did leave the Democratic Party and became an independent, he would become the Senate’s third independent, joining Angus King of Maine and Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Both currently caucus with the Democrats.