Three top communication staffers in Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s office recently left for other left-leaning offices within a month, amidst Fetterman’s contentious stances on Israel and immigration that have distinguished him from his Democratic colleagues. Joe Calvello, former Director of Communications for Fetterman, departed to become Chief Strategy Officer in the office of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Nicholas Gavio, Fetterman’s Deputy Communication Director, joined the Working Families Party as Mid-Atlantic Communications Director. Emma Mustion, Fetterman’s Press and Digital Aide, also left to work as a press secretary in Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey’s campaign office, all after working on Fetterman’s 2022 campaign.
Fetterman has been making headlines for diverging from his fellow Democrats, most notably in his rejection of Vice President Kamala Harris’s suggestion that Israel could face consequences for an invasion. Fetterman asserted that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas and criticized Harris’s stance. Fetterman has also criticized fellow Democrats for allowing Senator Robert Menendez to remain in the Senate amid bribery charges. His vocal support for Israel in the wake of recent events has further set him apart from his colleagues. This has led to some internal tensions within his staff, as evidenced by an office-wide email addressing the sharing of social media posts that do not align with Fetterman’s positions.
The Working Families Party, where Gavio joined as Mid-Atlantic Communications Director, is a progressive minor political party advocating for policies such as raising the minimum wage, taxing the wealthy more, and environmental and educational reforms. The party has been associated with prominent Democrats like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Fetterman himself has distanced himself from the label of being a progressive, stating that he does not identify as such. His views on Israel, immigration, and other policy matters have been at odds with many of his Democratic colleagues, sparking debate and controversy within the party.
Fetterman’s departure from the traditional Democratic positions has also drawn attention in the media, with outlets like Fox News closely following his statements and actions. Fetterman’s stance on Israel has been particularly scrutinized, with critics and supporters alike weighing in on his strong support for the country. Despite the departures of key communication staff from his office, Fetterman remains committed to his positions and continues to voice his opinions on various issues. His willingness to break from the party line and chart his own course has both earned him praise and criticism from different quarters.
The departures of key communication staff from Fetterman’s office come at a time when the senator has been asserting his independence from mainstream Democratic positions. Fetterman’s unapologetic stances on Israel and immigration, among other issues, have caused internal rifts among his staff and raised questions about his alignment with the party. As he continues to engage in public debates and take controversial positions, Fetterman’s ability to maintain support and credibility within the party remains uncertain. His departure from traditional party positions signals a willingness to challenge the status quo and advocate for his own beliefs, even if they are unpopular within his party.
