John Fetterman (born August 15, 1969) is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Pennsylvania since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he was previously the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania (2019-2023) and Mayor of Braddock (2006-2019). Known for his progressive policies and unconventional style, Fetterman has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, healthcare expansion, and marijuana legalization.
Fetterman’s 2022 U.S. Senate campaign gained national attention, particularly for his social media-driven approach and his high-profile race against TV personality Mehmet Oz. Despite suffering a stroke during his campaign, he won the election and has since been a significant figure in American progressive politics.
In this article, we will explore in-depth details about John Fetterman, including his age, height, weight, career, net worth, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts.
John Fetterman Short Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | John Karl Fetterman |
Profession | Politician, Public Servant |
Hometown | West Reading, Pennsylvania, USA |
Nationality | American |
Date of Birth | August 15, 1969 |
Age (as of 2025) | 55 years |
Height | 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) |
Weight | Approximately 260 lbs (118 kg) |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Bald |
Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Education | Albright College (BA), University of Connecticut (MBA), Harvard University (MPP) |
Political Party | Democratic Party |
Spouse | Gisele Barreto Almeida (m. 2008) |
Children | 3 |
Early Life and Education
John Fetterman was born on August 15, 1969, in West Reading, Pennsylvania, to Karl and Susan Fetterman. His parents were 19 years old when he was born, and the family later moved to York, Pennsylvania, where his father became a successful insurance executive. Fetterman grew up in a wealthy suburban environment, and his parents were conservative Republicans.
Fetterman attended Albright College, graduating in 1991 with a degree in finance. He later earned an MBA from the University of Connecticut (1993) and worked in the insurance industry before experiencing a personal turning point following the tragic death of a close friend in a car accident. This event led him to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, where he mentored a child whose parents had died from AIDS.
Determined to pursue public service, Fetterman joined AmeriCorps in 1995, teaching GED classes in Pittsburgh. He later attended the Harvard Kennedy School, earning a Master of Public Policy (MPP) in 1999.
Political Career
Mayor of Braddock (2006–2019)
Fetterman moved to Braddock, Pennsylvania, in 2004 and was elected mayor in 2005, winning the Democratic primary by just one vote. His tenure focused on revitalizing the struggling former steel town, which had suffered from economic decline.
Key initiatives during his time as mayor included:
- Revitalizing abandoned buildings and turning them into art centers and community spaces.
- Investing in youth programs to reduce crime and provide education opportunities.
- Advocating for urban farming and environmental sustainability.
However, his tenure was not without controversy. In 2013, Fetterman detained an unarmed Black jogger with a shotgun, believing the man had fired a gun. While the jogger later defended Fetterman’s record, the incident resurfaced during his 2022 Senate campaign.
Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania (2019–2023)
Fetterman ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2018, winning the Democratic primary with 38% of the vote. He ran alongside Governor Tom Wolf, securing reelection for the Democrats in November 2018.
As Lieutenant Governor, Fetterman:
- Led efforts to legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania, traveling to all 67 counties to promote reform.
- Expanded clemency efforts, granting a record number of pardons to nonviolent offenders.
- Clashed with Republican lawmakers, particularly over Donald Trump’s false election fraud claims.
During this time, he became a national progressive icon, frequently appearing on news outlets and advocating for workers’ rights, prison reform, and a $15 minimum wage.
U.S. Senate Career (2023–Present)
In 2021, Fetterman announced his candidacy for the 2022 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate election, running as a progressive Democrat. His grassroots campaign and memorable social media presence helped him win the Democratic primary and later defeat Republican candidate Mehmet Oz in the general election with 51.3% of the vote.
As a U.S. Senator, Fetterman:
- Advocates for universal healthcare and raising the federal minimum wage.
- Supports criminal justice reform and abolishing the death penalty.
- Remains a vocal advocate for legalizing cannabis nationwide.
- Has taken a pro-Israel stance, backing U.S. foreign aid and denouncing antisemitism.
Despite his progressive background, Fetterman has distanced himself from the “progressive” label, preferring to be identified as a Democrat focused on working-class issues.
Family and Relationships
Fetterman has been married to Gisele Barreto Fetterman, a Brazilian-American activist, since 2008. They have three children and live in a converted car dealership in Braddock, Pennsylvania.
Family Member | Role |
---|---|
Gisele Fetterman | Wife (Activist, Philanthropist) |
Children | 3 (Names not publicly available) |
Physical Appearance
Fetterman is known for his towering height and casual style, often wearing hoodies and shorts instead of traditional suits.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Height | 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) |
Weight | 260 lbs (118 kg) |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Bald |
Net Worth and Income Sources
John Fetterman’s net worth is estimated between $700,000 and $1.5 million, primarily from his Senate salary, real estate investments, and personal assets.
Net Worth (2025) | $700,000 – $1.5 million |
---|---|
Primary Income Sources | Senate Salary, Investments |
Additional Income | Speaking Engagements, Public Service |
Lesser-Known Facts About John Fetterman
- He is one of the tallest U.S. Senators in history (6’8″).
- He lived in a basement of an abandoned church for several months.
- He has tattoos of Braddock’s zip code (15104) and crime victims’ names.
- He once officiated same-sex marriages in defiance of Pennsylvania law.
- He walked into Trump’s 2025 inauguration in a hoodie and shorts.
Conclusion
John Fetterman is a unique and influential figure in American politics, known for his working-class appeal, progressive views, and unconventional style. Despite health struggles and political controversies, he remains a powerful voice for labor rights, criminal justice reform, and economic fairness.
“NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details independently.”