Ahmed Moor is launching a primary challenge against Senator John Fetterman for his Pennsylvania seat in 2028, The Guardian reports. This move marks the first real sign of a weakened political position for Fetterman within the party following the recent midterm elections.
Democrats managed to secure at least 54 seats in the Senate, which effectively removes the pressure of needing every single vote to pass legislation. This is a relief to party strategists who were previously worried that Fetterman could not be relied upon for support on contentious issues.
Fetterman ran as a progressive outsider in the 2022 midterms, but he has since caused widespread disillusionment among many Pennsylvania Democrats. He has sparked anger by speaking out in support of President Donald Trump. In return, the President has praised Fetterman as “a great guy” and mentioned he would “love” him to become a Republican.
Fetterman has stated he has no intention of leaving the Democratic party
Fetterman, however, did suggest he would change his mind if the party became what he considers anti-Israel. Fetterman noted last July, “That’s my red line. If the Democratic party becomes official anti-Israel, then that’s when I would force me out. If they make it the official platform of the party, then that’s a much different situation.”
The challenger, 42-year-old writer and journalist Ahmed Moor, was born in the city of Rafah in Gaza. Moor told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he was “not really running against Fetterman”. He added, “I’m running for good government. I’m running for the rule of law. I’m running because I believe in America.”
His background as a Palestinian American presents a direct contrast to Fetterman’s vocal pro-Israel stance. Fetterman’s position has become more strident since the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas. Reports from the Philadelphia Inquirer suggest that Fetterman has met more often with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu than he has with Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker. Conversely, Moor supports withdrawing US aid from Israel and imposing sanctions to secure equal rights for Palestinians.
The frustration with Fetterman extends beyond just policy disagreements. Mike Weidinger, a veteran Democrat from Lancaster County, expressed that many people believe Fetterman either misrepresented himself during his initial run or changed completely. Weidinger noted that Fetterman provoked outrage in September by sending a video message to the Republican midterm convention in Texas where he praised Republican senator Dave McCormick.
Weidinger also pointed out that Fetterman did not spend any money or help any Democratic candidates during the most recent election cycle. Regarding the possibility of Fetterman switching parties, Weidinger said, “If he wants to switch, he can switch. If it would have been 51 to 49, it would have mattered. But it doesn’t matter now.”
While Moor is the first to announce his candidacy, he is unlikely to be the only one. Weidinger expects to see bigger or more mainstream names involved in the primary challenge. He mentioned representatives like Chris Deluzio and state legislator Malcolm Kenyatta as likely candidates who could enter the race.
Published: Nov 10, 2026 11:00 am