By BallotWire
2022
In one of the most anticipated races of the 2022 midterm elections, Democrat John Fetterman emerged victorious over Republican Mehmet Oz, a win that not only flipped Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate seat but also secured a crucial victory for his party. As the state’s lieutenant governor, Fetterman garnered 51.25% of the vote, while Oz, a celebrity physician endorsed by Donald Trump, received 46.33%. This win was instrumental in enabling Democrats to retain control of the Senate, marking the only change of party in that election cycle.
The race initially drew significant national focus, especially after the announcement of incumbent Republican Senator Pat Toomey’s retirement. Both parties viewed Pennsylvania as an essential battleground. Fetterman appealed to working-class voters with his populist message, while Oz relied on celebrity status and connections to conservative media. Yet, the campaign quickly deviated from the norm, taking unexpected turns that kept the nation on its toes.
Fetterman’s health became a central topic after he suffered a stroke shortly before the Democratic primary. Although he was absent from the campaign trail for several months, his team executed a vigorous digital strategy, promoting him as a champion for Pennsylvania’s working class. On the other hand, Oz found it challenging to shake off the label of being an outsider. Having moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania shortly before the race, he became a target for Fetterman’s campaign, emphasizing his out-of-state connections. Social media buzzed with viral moments mocking Oz’s residency, with Fetterman even recruiting New Jersey celebrities to challenge Oz’s ties to Pennsylvania, highlighting the power of digital platforms in shaping public opinion.
As the election approached in the fall, both candidates encountered heightened scrutiny. During the sole debate in late October, Fetterman’s recovery was evident as he struggled with auditory processing and coherence. Republicans capitalized on this, questioning his fitness for office. Nonetheless, Democrats largely defended Fetterman, depicting the criticisms of his health as callous and reiterating that he remained the strongest candidate to represent Pennsylvania’s interests.
Conversely, Oz faced his own set of difficulties. While he attempted to focus on pivotal issues such as inflation and crime, his campaign was marred by gaffes, including a widely circulated moment in which he referred to “crudité” while grocery shopping, furthering accusations of elitism and disconnection from voters. Although his relationship with Trump aided in securing the GOP nomination, it ultimately may have alienated moderate voters during the general election.
On election night, results were quick to surface. Fetterman’s strong support in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and nearby suburbs allowed him to outpace Oz, who performed better in rural areas. Fetterman’s victory secured his Senate seat, and significantly diminished Republican hopes of regaining control of the chamber.
Beyond the individual results, the race underscored broader political trends. Fetterman’s ability to resonate with working-class voters, contrasted with Oz’s difficulties in establishing his identity as a true Pennsylvanian, proved critical. As Fetterman took the stage to celebrate his victory, he framed the achievement as not merely personal but as a testament to the strength of grassroots campaigning and authenticity. For Democrats, this win was vital in a challenging midterm context, and for Pennsylvanians, it signaled a clear preference for the type of leadership they desired in Washington.