Pa. Lt. Governor John Fetterman Officially Launches Campaign For U.S. Senate

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman officially launched his campaign for U.S. Senate Monday morning. He said he will not divide the state he loves serving and he said he will do the same from our nation's capital.

"I'd like to think of the difference I made in Braddock, I'd like to think of the difference I made in Pennsylvania," said Fetterman. "What this is about is a return to common-sense policies that benefit red and blue counties. It's more than urban versus rural. It's urban and rural."

The former mayor of Braddock said he has a track record of balance and getting things done. In order to keep that momentum going, Fetterman said we have to unite as a country on many issues, including the coronavirus pandemic.

"We have to stop arguing about wearing masks," said Fetterman. "Taking it seriously was the first step. Ramping up vaccine distribution was the next step."

If he would replace Senator Pat Toomey, who is not seeking re-election, Fetterman said he wants to focus on many things.

"You're talking about equal rights protections for LGBTQIA communities. We are talking about environmental justice, acknowledging climate change is a real challenge," said Fetterman.

He also brought up other issues like raising the minimum wage, ending the war on drugs, legalizing marijuana and taking a compassionate approach to immigration.

Fetterman said his campaign has already raised close to $1.5 million. He said that money is coming from grassroots donors who are contributing small amounts of cash at a time, and Fetterman said he wants to keep it that way.

Prior to becoming Lieutenant Governor, Fetterman was the mayor of Braddock for 14 years.

Last week, he registered with the Federal Election Commission.