McCormick and Fetterman Form Joint PAC

Pennsylvania's two U.S. senators have formalized an unusual alliance, launching a joint fundraising committee that pools contributions across party lines.

Sen. Dave McCormick (R) and Sen. John Fetterman (D) filed paperwork for Common Ground PA with the Federal Election Commission on July 6, listing four joint fundraising participants: Every Vote PAC, Pennsylvania Honor, Fetterman for PA, and Friends of Dave McCormick. The committee's stated purpose is limited to raising money; under FEC rules, only its listed participants can receive the funds it collects.

By the numbers:

• Fetterman for PA reported roughly $1.99 million cash on hand; McCormick's committee reported about $954,000
• A February Quinnipiac poll found 62% of Pennsylvania Democrats disapproved of Fetterman's job performance, while 73% of Republicans approved

OpenSecrets' Brendan Glavin called the pairing rare, saying he was "surprised" to see campaigns from opposing parties combine fundraising in this way. He suggested the effort may be aimed as much at messaging: presenting both men as willing to work across the aisle, as at raising money, though he noted that pitch may carry limited appeal for hardened partisan donors.

McCormick campaign spokesman Mike DeVanney called it "a donor driven effort" reflecting supporters who "value the collaboration exhibited by Senators McCormick and Fetterman."

Fetterman faces reelection in 2028; McCormick isn't on the ballot again until 2030, giving the collaboration a long runway before either Senator's fundraising is tested at the polls.