Fact Check: Did John Fetterman announce plans to run as an Independent in 2028?

WASHINGTON, DC: A viral X post claims US Senator John Fetterman plans to register as an Independent ahead of his 2028 reelection campaign and attributes inflammatory remarks to him criticizing Democrats over gender issues and attacks on President Donald Trump.

The claims surfaced amid ongoing speculation about Fetterman’s political shift, fueled by his independent voting record and increasingly unconventional rhetoric since arriving in Washington.

Claim: John Fetterman will register as an Independent in 2028

A post shared by an X user claimed that John Fetterman will register as an Independent and run for reelection in 2028. 

The post attributed several quotes to Fetterman, saying, "I'm never gonna be a communist who believes men should use the girls' bathroom. I'm never gonna be a communist who believes men should use the girls' bathroom. Fetterman says he's evolved a lot since coming to Washington. 'I've learned that everyone in the Democrat party is willing to lie, cheat, and steal if they think it hurts President Trump."

The post also features an image declaring, “It’s official: Fetterman no longer a Democrat.” However, the quotes and image appear to be unverified and are not supported by primary sources, with users in the comments questioning their authenticity.

The claim has also sparked online debate, with some users criticizing Fetterman’s alleged stance change, while others warn about potential political consequences of a party split and its impact on elections.

Fact Check: John Fetterman rejects rumor he will switch parties

There is no official announcement, filing, or verified reporting indicating that John Fetterman plans to register as an Independent or leave the Democratic Party ahead of the 2028 election.

He remains a Democratic US senator, and while he has occasionally taken positions that differ from parts of his party, there is no substantiated evidence that he intends to change party affiliation.

Separately, Fetterman has publicly rejected rumors that he will switch parties and become a Republican. In an op-ed for The Washington Post, he argued, "My party cannot simply be the opposite of whatever President Donald Trump says. The president could come out for ice cream and lazy Sundays, and my party would suddenly hate them. Such pointless pile-ons and attacks are unproductive.”

In the same op-ed, Fetterman noted that he has sometimes broken with Democrats on specific issues, including foreign policy positions such as support for Israel, and that he has voted against his party on certain legislative matters. He said he does not take pleasure in doing so but believes some decisions require putting national interests ahead of partisan loyalty.

Fetterman also emphasized that he remains aligned with core Democratic positions, describing himself as pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ rights, and pro-labor. He said he aims to be an independent-minded voice willing to work across party lines when necessary for Pennsylvania’s interests, while acknowledging that this approach has drawn criticism from some within his party.