John Fetterman sworn in as Pa. lieutenant governor, promises ‘bipartisan spirit’

HARRISBURG — After a few bangs of a gavel and a quick reading of an oath, former Braddock Mayor John Fetterman on Tuesday began serving as Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor.

Fetterman, a Democrat, now holds one of the highest ranking — but often forgettable — positions in state government. For the next four years, he will preside over the Senate, chair the state pardons board and work with the governor on any projects they deem appropriate.

In a brief speech delivered before the Senate, Fetterman promised to work to build a “spirit of bipartisanship” within the chamber, where Republicans have the majority and, therefore, control much of the legislative agenda.

"We need to do that all, collectively, together," he said.

His roughly five-minute speech, delivered in a charcoal suit from a podium that serves as the focal point of the Senate, was light on policy but heavy on thanks and praise for his supporters and for others who have aided him throughout his political career.

Fetterman served most recently as mayor of Braddock, a small steel town outside of Pittsburgh. He is widely expected to run for U.S. Senate in 2022 — an office he ran unsuccessfully for in 2016.

In his speech, Fetterman singled out, among others in the audience, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, both Democrats serving in the county where he planted many of his political roots. He thanked Republican lieutenant governor candidate Jeff Bartos, whom he befriended on the campaign trail.

And, Fetterman thanked his family, including his wife, Gisele, and their three children who promised they “will not floss during the governor’s address” later in the day, referring to the popular dance move.

Corman said he met Fetterman on Tuesday morning, when he and two other senators escorted the new lieutenant governor into the chamber for his swearing-in ceremony.

They will likely see each other again Wednesday, when the Senate returns to session, albeit with a light schedule since many senators are still awaiting committee assignments.

Staff writer Angela Couloumbis contributed to this article.

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HARRISBURG — With a few bangs of a gavel and a quick reading of an oath, former Braddock Mayor John Fetterman was sworn in Tuesday morning as lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.

Fetterman, a Democrat, promised in a brief speech on the Senate floor to work to build a "spirit of bipartisanship" within the chamber, where Republicans have the majority and, therefore, control much of the legislative agenda.

His roughly five-minute speech, delivered in a charcoal suit from a podium that serves as the focal point of the Senate, was light on policy but heavy on thanks and praise for his supporters and for others who have aided him throughout his political career.

Fetterman singled out, among others, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, both Democrats serving in the county where Fetterman planted of many his political roots. He also made a point of thanking his former opponent, Republican lieutenant governor candidate Jeff Bartos, calling him “a dear friend” whom he got to know on the campaign trail.

And, Fetterman thanked his family, including his wife, Gisele, and their three children who promised they "will not floss during the governor's address" later in the day. Flossing in a popular dance move among children.

Fetterman, a favorite of many progressives in the state, served most recently as mayor of Braddock, a small steel town outside of Pittsburgh. He is widely expected to run for U.S. Senate in 2022. He unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 2016.