The Pennsylvania Senate Election is receiving a remarkable amount of national attention. Front running Democrat John Fetterman and front running Republican Mehemt Oz or “Dr. Oz” have been battling each other in the polls. The stakes of this election can not be underestimated. This is very important and exciting for Bucknell students registered to vote in Pennsylvania. First, let’s take a look at the candidates.
Candidate Overview
John Fetterman (Democrat) was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania in 1969. He received his bachelor’s degree from Albright College and his master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University. Fetterman served as Mayor of Baddock from 2005-2019 and currently serves as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.
Some of Fetterman’s priorities include:
- Protecting abortion rights
- Protecting LGBTQ+ rights
- Legalizing marijuana
- Raising the federal minimum wage to $15
- Delivering criminal justice reform
- Building a safe and secure immigration system
- Guaranteeing health care
- More information can be found on Fetterman’s homepage
Mehmet Oz (Republican), or more famously known as Hollywood’s doctor, “Dr. Oz” was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1960, and spent the majority of his life living in New Jersey. It was only in 2020 that Dr. Oz began residing in a house in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. Oz’s legitimacy as a true Pennsylavanian who can represent the people has been a large question in the election. Dr. Oz received his bachelor’s from Harvard University and a joint M.D and M.B.A from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Oz has worked as a physician, authored twelve books and hosted the Dr. Oz show for thirteen years.
Some of Oz’s priorities include:
- Funding and supporting law enforcement
- Securing a border barrier
- Protecting second right amendments
- Stopping cancel culture and protecting free speech
- Supporting the pro life movement
- Gaining energy independence
- Protecting same sex marriage
- More information can be found on Dr. Oz’s homepage
Why are the stakes so high?
If this election was held in New York, Fetterman would be the clear winner. If it was held in Alabama, the clear winner would be Dr. Oz. However, because Pennsylvania is a swing state, Fetterman and Oz have been competing in the polls which is significant because whoever wins Pennsylvania’s Senate race could determine which political party controls the chamber next term. Simply put, Pennsylvania voters matter. Take a look at the resources below so you are registered and ready to vote on November 8th, 2022.
Resources