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Why Pa. Democrats aren't punishing Fetterman

His GOP convention appearance drew attention, but Pa. Democrats see little upside in a formal rebuke.

Politics

Sen. John Fetterman&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appearance at the GOP midterm convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/fetterman-video-gop-convention-trump?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_pittsburgh&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="7a5c8c0f-4931-4774-bcd0-2e04749c4b24" data-vars-headline="Why Pa. Democrats aren&#x27;t punishing Fetterman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/fetterman-video-gop-convention-trump?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_pittsburgh&amp;stream=top" target="_self">appearance at the GOP midterm convention</a> further inflamed tensions with Pennsylvania Democrats — but party leaders have shown little appetite for formally rebuking him.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fetterman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/27/fetterman-noem-dhs-shooting" data-vars-content-id="7a5c8c0f-4931-4774-bcd0-2e04749c4b24" data-vars-headline="Why Pa. Democrats aren&#x27;t punishing Fetterman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/27/fetterman-noem-dhs-shooting" target="_self">Fetterman</a>&#x27;s video message defending working with President Trump and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="praising Republican Sen. Dave McCormick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/14/inside-fetterman-appearance-gop-convention" data-vars-content-id="7a5c8c0f-4931-4774-bcd0-2e04749c4b24" data-vars-headline="Why Pa. Democrats aren&#x27;t punishing Fetterman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/14/inside-fetterman-appearance-gop-convention" target="_self">praising Republican Sen. Dave McCormick</a> for boosting America&#x27;s steel industry is the latest in a string of actions by Fetterman applauding Trump and Republicans.

Allegheny County tops Pa. in Flock cameras

The county has more Flock cameras and plate readers than anywhere else in Pennsylvania.

News

Allegheny County has more automated license plate readers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/21/flock-cameras-license-plate-reader-backlash" data-vars-content-id="e53c91a6-a62f-46c4-98eb-0de4ecb18ef7" data-vars-headline="Allegheny County tops Pa. in Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/21/flock-cameras-license-plate-reader-backlash" target="_self">Flock cameras</a> than any other county in Pennsylvania, according to available <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data compiled by Finding Flock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.findingflock.com/map" data-vars-content-id="e53c91a6-a62f-46c4-98eb-0de4ecb18ef7" data-vars-headline="Allegheny County tops Pa. in Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.findingflock.com/map" target="_blank">data compiled by Finding Flock</a>.Why it matters: The cameras — which police say can help find stolen vehicles and wanted individuals — are used by law enforcement, businesses, HOAs and other private owners, but their ability to track vehicles at all times has fueled a growing privacy backlash and calls for tighter oversight or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="removal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/09/02/dallas-flock-cameras-abbott-funding" data-vars-content-id="e53c91a6-a62f-46c4-98eb-0de4ecb18ef7" data-vars-headline="Allegheny County tops Pa. in Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/09/02/dallas-flock-cameras-abbott-funding" target="_self">removal</a>.

Pa. senators press Trump officials over research cuts

The Pennsylvania senators want HHS to explain canceled health research grants at Pitt and elsewhere.

Pennsylvania&#x27;s U.S. senators are asking the Trump administration to explain why it cut millions in federal health research funding from Pitt and other institutions this summer.Why it matters: The funding cuts, including about $4.5 million at Pitt, are among a string of grant cancellations and delays that have halted research, eliminated jobs and cost Pennsylvania universities millions over the past two years.

Hazelwood Green redevelopment takes off

New housing, research facilities and public spaces are transforming the former steel mill site.

After a slow start, redevelopment at Hazelwood Green — the former site of Pittburgh&#x27;s largest steel mill — is finally taking off.Why it matters: Civic leaders planned for decades the redevelopment of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive brownfield site" data-vars-click-url="https://benedum.org/hazelwood-green-transforming-a-brownfield/" data-vars-content-id="dae58c48-bdd8-4aa3-86c7-88fa8211c883" data-vars-headline="Hazelwood Green redevelopment takes off" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://benedum.org/hazelwood-green-transforming-a-brownfield/" target="_blank">massive brownfield site</a> along the Monongahela River in Hazelwood, and it wasn&#x27;t certain it would come together with new office space, light industry, multi-unit housing, retail and parks.

Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement

The endorsement adds to intrigue around the congressman's growing political profile.

Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Deluzio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/20/deluzio-trump-response-threat" data-vars-content-id="1d3fbabc-695f-4cb4-b898-146c215b537d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/20/deluzio-trump-response-threat" target="_self">Chris Deluzio</a> (D-Aspinwall) was endorsed by the national progressive group Working Families Party, Axios learned Monday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deluzio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/04/deluzio-ice-oakmont-immigrant-detention" data-vars-content-id="1d3fbabc-695f-4cb4-b898-146c215b537d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/04/deluzio-ice-oakmont-immigrant-detention" target="_self">Deluzio</a> is expanding his political base ahead of his election against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican Tony Guy" data-vars-click-url="https://tonyguyforcongress.com/" data-vars-content-id="1d3fbabc-695f-4cb4-b898-146c215b537d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tonyguyforcongress.com/" target="_blank">Republican Tony Guy</a>, which could carry him beyond the U.S. House and on to higher ambitions.

Shapiro: Mail voting unchanged for 2026 after SCOTUS ruling

Pennsylvania voters can still cast mail ballots as usual this November.

A U.S. Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ruling favoring President Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/supreme-court-mail-in-ballot-rules" data-vars-content-id="951a2366-0689-4996-9d1d-fd450e14c7d9" data-vars-headline="Shapiro: Mail voting unchanged for 2026 after SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/supreme-court-mail-in-ballot-rules" target="_self">ruling favoring President Trump&#x27;s</a> push to restrict mail-in voting won&#x27;t impact the upcoming midterm elections, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday. Why it matters: On Monday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SCOTUS cleared" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/trump-usps-federal-power-state-elections-mail-voting" data-vars-content-id="951a2366-0689-4996-9d1d-fd450e14c7d9" data-vars-headline="Shapiro: Mail voting unchanged for 2026 after SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/trump-usps-federal-power-state-elections-mail-voting" target="_self">SCOTUS cleared</a> one roadblock for Trump&#x27;s push to restrict mail-in ballots via the U.S. Postal Service, sowing uncertainty about how states will carry out their elections.

Independent bets on data center issue in Senate race

Jodi Borello says opposition to data centers can reshape a deep-red district

A local candidate is hoping her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anti-data center stance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/18/shapiro-data-center-rules-executive-order" data-vars-content-id="c5d2521c-664f-4694-af59-2f8a4fa69318" data-vars-headline="Independent bets on data center issue in Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/18/shapiro-data-center-rules-executive-order" target="_self">anti-data center stance</a> can flip a conservative state Senate district south of Pittsburgh.Why it matters: Republicans hold a four-seat majority in the state Senate and are facing strong challengers who could take away control of the chamber they’ve had for over 33 years.

Dems appear to flip state House seat in Cranberry

The apparent victory adds to a string of Democratic overperformances in special elections.

With all precincts reported but still some ballots left to count, Democrats appear to have flipped a conservative state House district north of Pittsburgh.The latest: Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brandon Dukes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dukesforpa.com/" data-vars-content-id="9c203bde-c1ce-402b-8120-7da7912a1ce2" data-vars-headline="Dems appear to flip state House seat in Cranberry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dukesforpa.com/" target="_blank">Brandon Dukes</a> led by 88 votes against Republican Scott Timko on Tuesday night with over 99% of the votes counted, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Associated Press" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/08/18/us/elections/results-pennsylvania-state-house-district-12-special.html" data-vars-content-id="9c203bde-c1ce-402b-8120-7da7912a1ce2" data-vars-headline="Dems appear to flip state House seat in Cranberry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/08/18/us/elections/results-pennsylvania-state-house-district-12-special.html" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>.

Cranberry special election could set midterm tone

Tuesday's House race will be watched for clues about voter sentiment before November.

A special election north of Pittsburgh on Tuesday could be a barometer for a potential <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blue wave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" data-vars-content-id="9aa00a57-c324-451b-b6ae-19276ffa02c0" data-vars-headline="Cranberry special election could set midterm tone" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" target="_self">blue wave</a>.The big picture: Democrats have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overperforming in special elections " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/19/republican-angst-voter-turnout?link_id=1&amp;can_id=ef167c924a5d440a35fec3a8c23a3885&amp;source=email-breaking-oklahoma-democrat-overperforms-by-double-digits-in-trump-58-district-3&amp;email_referrer=email_3107106&amp;email_subject=axios-special-elections-provide-template-for-how-to-win-in-pro-trump-areas-amid-gops-massive-downballot-losses&amp;&amp;" data-vars-content-id="9aa00a57-c324-451b-b6ae-19276ffa02c0" data-vars-headline="Cranberry special election could set midterm tone" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/19/republican-angst-voter-turnout?link_id=1&amp;can_id=ef167c924a5d440a35fec3a8c23a3885&amp;source=email-breaking-oklahoma-democrat-overperforms-by-double-digits-in-trump-58-district-3&amp;email_referrer=email_3107106&amp;email_subject=axios-special-elections-provide-template-for-how-to-win-in-pro-trump-areas-amid-gops-massive-downballot-losses&amp;&amp;" target="_self">overperforming in special elections </a>under Trump 2.0, and local results to fill a vacancy in Pennsylvania’s state House District 12 could indicate how well they will perform in the upcoming midterms.

Your guide to Pittsburgh's 2026 primary

A quick look at races, voting rules and what's at stake Tuesday.

Primary Election Day is nearly here.Why it matters: There aren&#x27;t any marquee races this spring, but the decisions Tuesday could shape what is set to be an important midterm election in the fall.

Rural wins raise hopes Dems can reclaim former strongholds

Liberal wins in GOP strongholds signal shifting rural momentum.

Democrats hope <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strong showings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/05/corey-oconnor-wins-mayor-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="bb205039-71db-4807-9fe3-1ba28bc9c07c" data-vars-headline="Rural wins raise hopes Dems can reclaim former strongholds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/05/corey-oconnor-wins-mayor-pittsburgh" target="_self">strong showings</a> in rural Southwest Pennsylvania on Tuesday signal the party&#x27;s fortunes are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starting to turn around" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-voter-registration-republicans-2025" data-vars-content-id="bb205039-71db-4807-9fe3-1ba28bc9c07c" data-vars-headline="Rural wins raise hopes Dems can reclaim former strongholds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-voter-registration-republicans-2025" target="_self">starting to turn around</a>.Why it matters: Despite decades of Democratic dominance, rural counties surrounding Pittsburgh started flipping Republican when Barack Obama ran for president in 2008 and have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sprinted toward President Trump ever since" data-vars-click-url="https://community.triblive.com/news/3665024" data-vars-content-id="bb205039-71db-4807-9fe3-1ba28bc9c07c" data-vars-headline="Rural wins raise hopes Dems can reclaim former strongholds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://community.triblive.com/news/3665024" target="_blank">sprinted toward President Trump ever since</a>.

O'Connor elected mayor; Dems keep court control

Corey O'Connor will succeed Ed Gainey as Pittsburgh's mayor after a strong night for Democrats.

Corey O&#x27;Connor was chosen as Pittsburgh&#x27;s new mayor on a night when Democrats performed strongly throughout Pennsylvania.The big picture: O&#x27;Connor will replace incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey, and Democrats will maintain their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5-2 state Supreme Court majority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_pittsburgh&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="7def20a0-a1b4-4ea5-9fac-1f25a44ed7ab" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Connor elected mayor; Dems keep court control" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/10/28/pennsylvania-supreme-court-retention-elections?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_pittsburgh&amp;stream=top" target="_self">5-2 state Supreme Court majority</a> heading into year two of Trump 2.0.

A quick Allegheny County election primer

From judges to sheriff, key elections in Allegheny and Pa. will shape future policy.

Election

Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retention races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/29/pennsylvania-court-races-abortion-voting-rights" data-vars-content-id="02c423c7-7803-4d94-8d10-9becba2903b0" data-vars-headline="A quick Allegheny County election primer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/29/pennsylvania-court-races-abortion-voting-rights" target="_self">retention races</a> are sucking up most of the air, but there are other elections next week, too.Why it matters: Local and statewide contests will shape policy even if you don&#x27;t see political ads about them.

Redistricting fight skips Pennsylvania

Shapiro and a divided legislature block any push to redraw political maps.

Several states are rushing to redraw their congressional districts, but not Pennsylvania.Why it matters: Republicans hold a narrow majority in the U.S. House and are looking to hold off Democrats in next year&#x27;s midterm elections and beyond.

Election 🗳️

Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement

Shapiro: Mail voting unchanged for 2026 after SCOTUS ruling

Independent bets on data center issue in Senate race

Dems appear to flip state House seat in Cranberry

Cranberry special election could set midterm tone