Pa. Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman speaks to the press after Sheppard’s hearing.
Kimberly Paynter / WHYY
Pa. Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman speaks to the press after Sheppard’s hearing.
Kimberly Paynter / WHYY
(Pittsburgh) – Lt. Gov. John Fetterman has raised nearly $4 million since announcing his run for U.S. Senate earlier this year. The Allegheny County Democrat also announced endorsements from local officials Thursday, including several Braddock council members, where he served as mayor until 2018.
“As a former Mayor, I am so proud to have the support of these local elected officials,” Fetterman said in a press release Thursday afternoon. “Whether it’s leaders from my town of Braddock or leaders across the state in Bucks County or Adams County, I am committed to always working with and listening to local elected leaders.”
Rob Parker and Dee Scales, two members of the borough’s seven-member council, backed Fetterman, along with Rankin Mayor Joelisa McDonald. Until Thursday, Fetterman had not been endorsed by any elected officials.
“John’s love for and devotion to Braddock over the past two decades has been clear,” said Braddock council president Rob Parker in the statement. “He works hard and fights for the people. I’m confident that John will bring this same commitment to his community to the Senate. And he will always be on the side of the people.”
“It is not just about his experience,” said Scales, “but his true commitment that he has shown to and for people.”
The announcement came just a day after Braddock Mayor Chardae Jones endorsed Fetterman’s opponent, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, over her predecessor. Jones will not be running for reelection this year. Delia Lennon, who hopes to replace Jones, endorsed Fetterman.
Fetterman was also endorsed by Marty Qually, an Adams County Commissioner; Jon Panofsky, a school board director in Bucks County; and Mitchel Meyerson, a Chalfont council member in Bucks County.
The Associated Press and WITF’s democracy reporter Jordan Wilkie are partnering to tell stories about how Pennsylvania elections work, and to debunk misinformation surrounding elections.