Fetterman defeats Oz after overcoming stroke, turning some red PA counties blue

After overcoming a stroke during the Pennsylvania Senate race, John Fetterman defeated his challenger, Dr. Mehmet Oz, in this week’s midterms for the US Senate seat that will be left open when Senator Pat Toomey retires.

Fetterman, the 53-year old who was born and raised in the Keystone State, suffered a major stroke in May of this year, leaving him with some auditory processing issues and other side effects that did not seem to slow down his run.

Facing off in a public, televised debate against Oz, whose campaign insisted on the event, Fetterman struggled noticeably to respond to some of the questions due to the auditory issues, prompting the Oz campaign to paint Fetterman as unable to lead.

Fetterman had the support of some high-profile Democrats, including President Joe Biden and former president Barack Obama.

Oz, who is a television personality and former surgeon, had the backing of former president Donald Trump, who publicly endorsed Oz in April. The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman reported that after Oz lost this week’s race, Trump was “furious,” a claim Trump denied on Truth Social.

Oz reportedly called Fetterman on Wednesday to concede the race. He also issued a statement saying, “We are facing big problems as a country and we need everyone to put down their partisan swords and focus on getting the job done. With bold leadership that brings people together, we can create real change.”

Fetterman also addressed his supporters in a victory speech on Wednesday, saying, “It’s official. I will be the next U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. We bet on the people of Pennsylvania – and you didn’t let us down. And I won’t let you down. Thank you.”