Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman was among eight Senate Democrats who voted this week to end the 42-day federal shutdown.

While that move brought scorn from California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, Fetterman has no regrets about breaking with the majority of his colleagues. 

Newsom says some Democrats committed a "betrayal"

According to Fox News, Newsom's statement came in the form of a social media post which the governor put up early on Monday morning.

"Tonight’s Senate vote on the federal government shutdown would have been a time for strength," Newsom told his followers.

Tonight’s Senate vote on the federal government shutdown should have been a time for strength.

Instead we saw capitulation and a betrayal of working Americans.

The American people need more from their leaders.

— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) November 10, 2025

"Instead, we saw capitulation and a betrayal of working Americans. The American people need more from their leaders," he insisted.

Fetterman: "I think my party crossed a line"

However, Fetterman pushed back while speaking with podcast host Bari Weiss on Tuesday, stating, "I don't really spend any time worrying about what Gov. Newsom thinks. For me, it’s like this was the right call — this is the battleground representative here.

"You can't troll your way to explain to two million Pennsylvanians that they can't count on their SNAP benefits. I refuse to play chicken for people," he asserted.

Fetterman's remarks came the same day that he defended his decision to reopen the government during an appearance on Fox News.

"I think my party crossed a line," Fetterman said of the shutdown. "That was a red line for me that I can't cross as a Democrat."

He went on to point out the harm that shutting down the government brought, citing the impact on federal workers, air travelers, and those who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Fetterman says he has no plans to switch parties

Although Fetterman's spat with Newsom could well perpetuate speculation that he is planning to switch parties, the Pennsylvania senator recently quashed those rumors when speaking to Fox News host Jesse Watters.

"You’re agreeing with the Republicans on the shutdown, you’re agreeing on Israel, you’re agreeing on the woke B.S," Watters pointed out before asking, "Are you close to becoming a Republican?"

"No, no, I’d be a terrible Republican, but I’ll just be a very honest Democrat that’s not necessarily afraid to push back against some of these views that I just don’t agree with," Fetterman replied.