Rep. Madeleine Dean Criticizes Fetterman's Record, Mulls 2028 Senate Bid

Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) said she is considering a 2028 U.S. Senate run, a move that could put her in a Democratic primary against Sen. John Fetterman, whose record she said has left her disappointed.

"I'm going to be considering it," Dean said in an interview with Politico published Tuesday.

"I have been concerned about, really, two things, which is his family and his health … and am very disappointed in his activity as a senator and in his votes," she said.

Dean, who has served in the House since early 2019, won re-election last week to a fifth term representing a district that includes parts of Montgomery and Berks counties. Last December, she said there was "no way" she would launch a challenge against Fetterman, though she said her calculus would "absolutely" change if he chose not to run for re-election.

Her comments this week mark a shift- Dean has been a vocal critic of Fetterman after he recorded a video that played during the Republican midterm convention earlier this year.

"To me, that was a very sad stunt, that he would stand there aligning himself with the most corrupt president of our lifetime, if not the most corrupt president in history. I have said I hope John comes back to the Democratic fold," she said.

Dean's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Fetterman would need to seek re-election in 2028 if he wants a second term, and he has not said whether he will run.

Other Pennsylvania Democrats are also weighing the race. Rep. Chris Deluzio, who represents the Pittsburgh area, has said he is giving "serious thought" to a run, and former Rep. Conor Lamb has been the subject of speculation. Rep. Brendan Boyle, who had considered a Senate bid, opted to remain in the House and is poised to become chairman of the House Budget Committee. "Well I would not like John Fetterman to be the 2028 nominee, I've made that clear," Boyle told NBC Philadelphia.

In a statement after the midterms, Dean said she would "continue to evaluate where I can do the most good for my constituents, for Pennsylvanians, and for our country."