Fetterman again says he’s ‘not going to be a Republican’ following RNC convention video appearance

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) again emphasized that he would not be switching parties Tuesday following his video appearance at the Republican National Committee (RNC) midterm convention.

When asked by a reporter at Capitol Hill if there was a chance he would become a Republican, Fetterman appeared to become frustrated.

“I’m not going to be a Republican. Why can’t you guys just wait till the midterms? And if I turn a Republican, then I’ll be a liar,” he said. “My name is not on the ballot. Chill.”

“I’ve always been a Democrat. It’s like, no matter how many times I say that, I’m still getting asked just getting into the elevator,” the lawmaker added.

Democratic colleagues grew frustrated with Fetterman following a video he made introducing his fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick (R) at the GOP midterm convention — describing him as a “ great friend .”

The pair have built a close relationship as earlier in the summer they launched a joint political action committee, Common Ground PA , seeking to target donors who support both lawmakers.

Fetterman said in a statement after the video’s release that he would continue to caucus with Democrats, writing last week, “I’m a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with my party—and should the Senate flip in November, I will still be the 51st vote that I ran on.”

Despite the criticism from his own party, Fetterman votes with the Democratic caucus 90 percent of the time — something that he mentions when asked about whether he would leave the party — but he has also split from Democrats on high-profile votes.

This includes the Iran war as Fetterman voted against every Senate war powers resolution introduced in the upper chamber.

Fetterman has said previously at the Hill Nation Summit that he would leave the Democratic Party if it turned its back on Israel entirely.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz have already indicated they would welcome Fetterman to the GOP.