Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, misspoke at a panel in Austin, Texas. When asked why he remains a Democrat rather than becoming an independent, he initially said he had always been a Republican and then corrected the statement to Democrat.

Critics on the political left posted comments on social media following the incident.

Fetterman indicated he might consider changing parties after the midterm elections once Democrats hold the Senate by a single vote. Thirty-seven days remain until Election Day.