Fetterman was hospitalized in Washington, D.C., after feeling faint on Wednesday, according to his office. It’s not yet clear what prompted the hospitalization, but doctors have said it wasn’t caused by a stroke and that he’s currently being monitored for a seizure.The incident comes after Fetterman suffered a stroke on the campaign trail in May 2021, prompting concerns that the Pennsylvania Democrat would not be fit to complete a six-year term in the Senate.
If Fetterman’s health complications did prompt the senator to step down from office, a special process would be triggered in the Keystone State as Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro would be tasked to appoint a replacement. Because Shapiro would be likely to choose a Democrat, the party doesn’t have to worry about a shift in the balance of power in the upper chamber.
Should Fetterman choose to resign, Shapiro would be responsible for choosing a replacement who would serve in the Senate seat until the next scheduled statewide election. Then, voters would hold a special election to choose who would carry out the remainder of Fetterman’s term.There is no universal rule on how Senate seats are filled in the case of a resignation.
Fetterman has not publicly responded to his most recent hospitalization, and the Pennsylvania Democrat has not indicated any plans to step down.
Shapiro picking a replacement was always the plan.