PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia congressman is deflecting questions over a possible 2028 Senate run, amid emerging reports questioning U.S. Sen. John Fetterman's interest in performing the duties of a senator.
U.S. Rep. Brandon Boyle is among several Democrats that have criticized Fetterman in the wake of recent reporting.
The Wall Street Journal was the latest outlet to cite former Fetterman staffers who said the senator frequently shirked duties including attendance at hearings and willingness to meet with constituents.
Most notably, the report presented recent text messages that suggested the Pennsylvania Democrat declined to meet with representatives of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia over Medicaid cuts.
"I have been vocal about my tremendous disappointment with Sen. Fetterman on a whole host of votes he's cast, as well as things he has said. I cannot foresee any possibility of John Fetterman being the Democratic nominee in 2028, period," said the Northeast Philly congressman.
"It is remarkable if you were to compare John Fetterman in the United States Senate today versus how he campaigned just a few years ago. In many ways, he's almost a polar opposite person, so it's very disappointing."
Fetterman has said the reports are based on statements from disgruntled staffers.
Asked directly during an appearance on Tuesday if he was considering running for Fetterman's Senate seat in 2028, Boyle deferred his answer until after the midterm election.
"I am doing everything possible that Democrats win back the majority in the House of Representatives and finally provide a check on this out-of-control administration," he said.
"If we do win a majority in the House of Representatives, I will be the chairman of the House Budget Committee, an incredibly important position. So, at some point after this November, I may have a very tough decision to make in terms of choosing between two very good options."
The midterms are less than eight weeks away and the results could alter control of the House and the Senate, both of which are currently controlled by Republicans.
