Democrat John Fetterman is locked in a tight battle for Pennsylvania’s vacant Senate seat. Last night, television icon and legendary talk show host Oprah Winfrey jumped on the campaign, officially endorsing Fetterman at a virtual event.
The endorsement is a blow to her former protege Dr. Mehmet Oz, who she had helped launch into stardom.
In an online discussion on voting in next Tuesday’s election, Ms. Winfrey said: “I said it was up to the citizens of Pennsylvania and of course, but I will tell you all this, if I lived in Pennsylvania, I would have already cast my vote for John Fetterman for many reasons.”
Dr. Oz is endorsed by former president Donald Trump. He is a conservative Republican, a Trump ally, and a celebrity cardio surgeon. He became a household name as a guest on Winfrey’s show before he started his own in 2009.
The Pennsylvania senate race is a massive one. The stakes are high. The big guns are coming out for it.
On Saturday, the state will see a high-octane campaign. Trump will canvass for Dr Oz.
And President Joe Biden and former president Barack Obama will campaign for Fetterman on the same day. The Democrats are doubling down on the race that could prove pivotal to them controlling the Senate for another two years.
The Pennsylvania contest has emerged as one of the nastiest races in this year’s midterm elections.
Dr. Oz and Republicans have gone all in on Fetterman’s health after he suffered a stroke.
The race has grown tighter in recent weeks.
This is Oprah’s first time officially endorsing Fetterman. Winfrey said in 2021 that it was “up to the residents of Pennsylvania to decide who will represent them.”
Fetterman is Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor. He cheered the endorsement, saying it was an honor and a privilege to have Oprah’s support.
“She is a leader on so many issues — fighting for our democracy, passing common-sense gun reform, and ensuring racial justice. I’m grateful for Oprah’s support and trust on the issues that matter to people across the country and Pennsylvania as we close out this campaign,” he said in a statement.
Winfrey during the conversation also voiced support for other Democratic candidates in key races, including North Carolina’s Cheri Beasley, Florida’s Val Demings, Wisconsin’s Mandela Barnes, Nevada’s Catherine Cortez Masto, Texas’ Beto O’Rourke, and Georgia’s Raphael Warnock and Stacey Abrams.
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