WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a Congress known for bitter partisan divides, one bipartisan duo is proving that politics doesn’t always have to be ugly.
Two senators- different parties, different backgrounds, different looks — but with the same goal, for the same state.
“The one thing I think that absolutely unites us is that we want to do a good job for Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa. “Pennsylvania picked both of us.”
Republican Dave McCormick is a former Army officer and a polished former hedge fund CEO.
“If central casting called saying, ‘Senator,’ it looks more like him,” said Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.
Democrat John Fetterman — a 6-foot-8 senator with tattoos, likely sporting a Carhartt hoodie with shorts — has built a career in public service by fighting for unions, marijuana legalization, LGBTQ+ rights and criminal justice reform.
Two lawmakers — on different sides, with different priorities — however, in today’s divisive political landscape, they refrain from personal attacks or name-calling… for the most part.
“I call him names. You know, I call him friend — you know — and a great guy,” said Fetterman.
Aside from sharing occasional jokes and lighthearted teasing, the two senators share trust and mutual respect for one another.
“The other thing that unites us is I have complete trust in him,” said McCormick.
“Likewise,” Fetterman added.
“We want to do what’s right for Pennsylvania. There’s no games, and that’s rare, unfortunately, across parties or in parties,” McCormick said. “It’s been a great thing.”
Fetterman said their different backgrounds, policies and appearances, actually reflect the state they represent — a politically diverse battleground where voters routinely split between parties.
“This is part of how unique Pennsylvania is,” said Fetterman. “I think we want to be an example of Pennsylvania. We all have people in our families that have different political views. They’re not terrible people. They’re not trying to destroy democracy. We all find ways to get along.”
The gym shorts and pinstripes duo represent one of the few states in the country split between parties in the Senate. They’ve built a bipartisan bond for the Keystone State — one that began after McCormick’s 2024 election victory — not long after Fetterman suffered a stroke in 2022 and was later hospitalized in 2023 for clinical depression.
“When I went to see him, he said, ‘Listen, I’ve had a near-death experience. I have no time for the nonsense. I just want to get things done for Pennsylvania.’ I said, man that sounds great,” said McCormick. “So we’ve developed a relationship which I think is all about where we can find agreement.”
That agreement has led to collaboration on issues like drug trafficking, first-time homebuyer assistance and securing federal dollars for Pennsylvania projects.
The two have also developed a close personal friendship, often calling or texting outside of work and booking several joint-media appearances. McCormick has also come to Fetterman’s defense when facing questions over his fitness to serve — and when Fetterman has crossed party lines.
The Pennsylvania Democrat has sided with Republicans several times, including multiple votes to end recent government shutdowns and even support some of the president’s Cabinet picks. He’s also been vocal in expressing staunch support for Israel and backing many of the administration’s actions against Iran.
“I would rather have people know exactly what I believe,” Fetterman said. “I think there’s things that are true and things that aren’t,” said Fetterman. “That’s what I’m going to just put that out so they’ll know exactly how I stand.”
Although Fetterman is not shy when criticizing his party, the majority of his votes in the Senate are along party lines. McCormick regularly votes to support the Republican agenda. Still, there’s more that unites than divides the unlikely duo, and they’re not afraid to let the world know.
“If people are disappointed, that we should fight or hate each other, well, then you’re going to be disappointed, because the best thing for Pennsylvania is to find a way to work together,” said Fetterman.
