Schumer urges Fetterman not to leave Democratic caucus: 'Very good member of Congress'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman should remain with the Democratic caucus in the chamber, praising him as a "very good member of Congress."

The comment comes after Fetterman indicated that he could leave the Democratic Party over its anti-Israel stance. He has repeatedly stated that he would not become a Republican, indicating that he would be an independent instead.

Reporters asked Schumer whether he believed Fetterman should remain in the party, despite his more favorable view of the current administration and some of its policies, to which Schumer said he did believe the Pennsylvanian should stay.

“Yes, and he is a very good member of Congress," Schumer said. “People in our caucus very much like him and respect him and we’re a big-tent party. We can have a lot of different views in that party."

The comment also comes after Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he would support Fetterman caucusing with Republicans if he were to leave the Democratic Party, and that he has had conversations with the senator about doing so.

“I have had conversations with him in the past as have many of my colleagues about the challenges he faces in his caucus," Thune said last week. "There are many of us who, I think, would welcome the opportunity to have him join the Republican conference, but ultimately that’s a decision that’s up to him."

Fetterman has emerged as one of the more bipartisan members of Congress, frequently voting for pro-Israel policies, and he recently urged his party to help approve a new ballroom for the White House. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.