John Fetterman is an unusual politician – but his rise from borough mayor to US senator reflects a recent trend
- Written by Richardson Dilworth, Professor of Politics, Drexel University
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman arrives on Capitol Hill on Nov. 10, 2025, to vote to open the government.
Andrew Harnik via Getty ImagesPennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman – among the eight Democrats who voted to end the federal government shutdown – has always been a unique character and a sly self-promoter.
His political brand is that of an...


