r/Pennsylvania_Politics

Philly Friday 5/15: Join here

Missoula 5/22: Join here

A frontline GOP congressman, Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pa., launched the “Democrats for Rob Coalition” last month, billed as an invitation to Democrats living in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District to vote for Republicans. The catch is that the main schtick of these “Democrats” seems to be supporting Republicans — and they have been for years.

Source: https://www.salon.com/2026/05/06/surprise-democrats-for-rob-coalition-chaired-by-gop-elected/

Q: Why are we even celebrating Juneteenth two years later?

A: Juneteenth marks the OFFICIAL end of slavery in the United States. It is when the last enslaved people in Texas were finally freed.

Q: Well, why did it take so long? And why Texas?

A: The Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, but it only applied to Confederate states and they weren’t really interested in enforcing it. Texas was actually one of the last holdouts.

It took Union troops TWO YEARS to arrive in Galveston and uphold the law, making Juneteenth a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice we still see today…

Come celebrate with food, drink, live music, and great company!

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17 6-8pm

WHERE: Lancaster Distilleries, 230 N 4th st, Columbia

Learn more at: bradforpa.com/juneteenth

His first ad was so inspiring and uplifting. He seemed like the best candidate for senate in PA, as he was known all over the state from being lieutenant governor. While Conor Lamb was also great, he was less well known, thus why I thought Fetterman was best.

2022: determination and recovery, perseverance leads to victory
I still remember how republicans kept attacking him for allegedly changing some of his views (such as fracking) when their candidate Dr Oz was just as guilty of that (gun rights, abortion, China policy). Fetterman made many great ads that trolled Dr Oz, one of which accurately compared him to Dr Nick.

When Fetterman had a stroke in 2022, republicans kept attacking him yet he kept on recovering from the attacks and he came back stronger. While I was nervous after his poor debate performance and decision to rally with Biden (who was unpopular), I was amazed when he was able to win by 4.9%, over performing Biden. I really saw him as a future leader for Democrats.

2023: start of the betrayal
While he needed assistance when entering the senate, I believed he would be able to adjust and perform his job fully. He seemed mostly fine. His greatest action was calling for Menendez’s expulsion. The only minor recurring issue was that he was loud.

However, the major issue was when he challenged the long standing dress code. That being said, it was soon reinstated.

2024: mostly successful
I didn’t follow him too much. He did campaign with Kamala Harris often, and he proudly endorsed her.

2025: absolute betrayal
Started with a meeting with Trump in Mar a lago. Shocked he met with Trump, but I’d understand why, as he’d need to know the next president.

Then he became the very unpredictable senator. Not only did he vote for many of Trump’s unqualified nominees like Bondi and Huckabee, he has also shown contempt for his job. While debating on OBBB, he stated that he wished he could’ve gone to the beach with his family. Additionally, his high absence has been a problem.

Feel free to fill any holes in my analysis

A primary preview from the Philly marquee race down to the State Senate flip targets