US Midterms: Fetterman Wins Pa. Senate Race

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Facts

  • Pennsylvania's Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman defeated Republican challenger, Dr. Mehmet Oz, in the state's pivotal US Senate race. Fetterman will succeed retiring two-term Republican Senator Pat Toomey.
  • Fetterman, who served as Mayor of Braddock, Pa. for 13 years before he became Lt. Governor in 2019, received 50.3% of the vote, compared to Trump-endorsed Oz's 47.3%. Oz called to concede to his opponent on Wednesday morning.
  • As mayor of Braddock and then Lt. Governor, Fetterman became famous for his progressive platform, including supporting marijuana legalization and marriage equality. He also advocated for second chances for some criminals — including those with second-degree murder convictions.
  • Oz was a political novice who moved to the state from New Jersey ahead of the race, allowing Fetterman to charge him with not understanding the needs of Pennsylvanians.
  • Fetterman, who faced questions surrounding his health after suffering a stroke that caused a condition called "auditory processing disorder," said at a victory rally that his race was for “anyone that ever got knocked down that got back up."
  • The election was the most expensive this year for a US Senate seat, with a total of more than $300M spent and Oz contributing $25M of his own wealth. Fetterman used social media for campaigning against Oz and to bring in small-dollar donations.

Sources: Abc, FOX News, NBC, Wall Street Journal, and PBS NewsHour.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Rolling Stone. John Fetterman could very well become the future of the Democratic party after defeating Dr. Oz on Tuesday. With his unconventional tattooed, hoodie-wearing style, the former mayor and Lt. Governor resonated with the working class of Pennsylvania, and they marched to the polls to usher in their newest Senator.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by BreitBart. Pennsylvanians are in for a rough and radical future after electing a man who supports decreasing the state's prison system by one-third and pardoning violent criminals. Fetterman has clearly stated that he will work to codify Roe v Wade as well, against the ruling of the Supreme Court. His leftist agenda will not be well received in Pennsylvania.