The office of Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has been experiencing some staffing changes recently due to the senator’s stance on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to reports, all three of Fetterman’s top communication staffers have left their positions in the last month. Nick Gavio, who served as Deputy Communications Director, left at the end of March to take a role with the Working Families Party. Joe Calvello, Fetterman’s Communications Director, left earlier in the month to work for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Emma Mustion, a Press and Digital Aide, also left to join Senator Bob Casey’s reelection campaign.
Gavio and Calvello are both veterans of Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign and have worked on Fetterman’s Senate campaign as well. The news of their departure may come as a surprise to some, as Fetterman has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s right to protect itself amidst the conflict with Hamas. As members of his communication team, it may have been difficult for them to align with Fetterman’s stance, which goes against the current trend within the Democratic Party.
One of Fetterman’s former staffers, Calvello, has expressed excitement about his decision to leave and work for a “true progressive” like Mayor Johnson. However, it is worth noting that Fetterman’s office has already hired replacements for the departing staff members.
In my front office I have displayed the posters of the innocent Israelis kidnapped by Hamas.
They will stay up until every single person is safely returned home. pic.twitter.com/qxCmvC97uY
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) November 7, 2023
It seems that Fetterman’s support for Israel and his criticism of activists calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas may be the main factors behind the staffing changes in his office. However, Fetterman has not released a statement regarding the departures, and his Chief of Staff has assured that replacements have been hired.
While Fetterman has been vocal about his support for Israel, he still identifies as a Democrat and holds many progressive views. His stance on issues such as immigration and women’s rights align with the party’s values. However, some may see Fetterman’s recent actions as a betrayal to his party, especially after he declared himself to be a moderate Democrat during his Senate campaign.
Save the harsh rhetoric for Hamas who planned, initiated, deployed, and maintained this ongoing calamity in Gaza.
If you seek any real peace, order Hamas to surrender and release all of the hostages. pic.twitter.com/3qVwQ1OU4I
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) March 28, 2024
In an interview with Fox News, Fetterman stated that he does not identify as a “progressive” and has also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s statement regarding Israel’s offensive against Hamas. Fetterman believes that Israel has the right to defend itself and eliminate Hamas, who he sees as the enemy in this conflict.
The departures of Fetterman’s staffers may have also been influenced by a letter sent by former staffers just days after the October 7th attacks by Hamas. In the letter, the staffers expressed how they felt betrayed by Fetterman’s support for the United States’ military involvement in the conflict.
It remains to be seen if Fetterman will continue to face staffing changes due to his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, his steadfast support for Israel and border security may bring him criticism from some within his party, but it is a stance that Fetterman stands behind firmly. Only time will tell how these changes will affect the senator and his political endeavors.
