Fetterman Breaks With Democrats on Voter ID Legislation

Pennsylvania senator rejects party's 'Jim Crow 2.0' rhetoric on SAVE Act

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is breaking with his party's leadership by rejecting the characterization of the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act as 'Jim Crow 2.0.' The legislation, which would require voter ID and proof of citizenship, is gaining momentum among Republicans but faces unified opposition from Senate Democrats. Fetterman argues that voter ID requirements are not a 'radical idea' and that most Americans support them.

Why it matters

Fetterman's stance on the SAVE Act highlights a growing rift within the Democratic Party, as some members break from the party's unified opposition to election integrity measures. This could complicate the party's strategy on voting legislation and undermine its efforts to paint Republican-backed bills as voter suppression.

The details

The SAVE Act, which passed the House earlier this week, would require voters to present photo ID before casting ballots, mandate proof of citizenship when registering to vote, and mandate states remove non-citizens from voter rolls. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has denounced the bill as 'Jim Crow 2.0,' arguing it would suppress voters. However, Fetterman rejects this characterization, noting that 84% of Americans support voter ID requirements.

  • The SAVE Act passed the House earlier this week.
  • Fetterman made his comments on 'Saturday in America' on February 14, 2026.

The players

John Fetterman

A Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who is breaking with his party's leadership on the SAVE Act, rejecting their 'Jim Crow 2.0' rhetoric.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, who has denounced the SAVE Act as 'Jim Crow 2.0' and led the Democratic opposition to the legislation.

Susan Collins

A Republican senator from Maine who has announced her support for the SAVE Act, boosting the legislation's momentum in the Senate.

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What they’re saying

“I would never refer to the SAVE Act as like Jim Crow 2.0 or some kind of mass conspiracy.”

— John Fetterman, U.S. Senator (Fox News)

“So it's not like a radical idea. It's not something — and there already are many states that show basic IDs. So that's where we are in the Senate.”

— John Fetterman, U.S. Senator (Fox News)

What’s next

The SAVE Act faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where it lacks the 60 votes needed to overcome the filibuster. However, the growing support from Republicans like Susan Collins could increase pressure on Democrats to compromise or reconsider their opposition.

The takeaway

Fetterman's break with his party on the SAVE Act highlights the growing divisions within the Democratic Party, as some members are willing to buck the leadership's messaging and positions on key issues like election integrity. This could complicate the party's strategy and undermine its efforts to present a united front against Republican-backed voting legislation.