Fetterman calls himself a 'lifelong Republican' on stage before red-faced backpedal at Texas festival

From the Newshound archive · first published 27 September 2026 · last updated 28 September 2026.

Democratic Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman accidentally declared himself a 'lifelong Republican' during a live panel at the Texas Tribune Festival, sending the audience into laughter. CBS News correspondent Major Garrett immediately corrected him on stage, declaring 'That's clippable, ladies and gentlemen — circulate!' Fetterman quickly corrected himself, insisting he is a 'lifelong Democrat'.

Fetterman himself predicted the clip would go viral, saying 'I guarantee you, that's gonna break through.'

The slip follows weeks of questions over whether Fetterman will formally defect, after he appeared by video at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas to praise GOP Senator Dave McCormick.

Political observers have been asking for months when Fetterman will switch parties, with the senator repeatedly crossing the aisle to side with Republicans on key issues during the Trump era.