Tuesday 10 Nov 2026
Ahmed Moor.
Gaza-born Palestinian American author and businessman Ahmed Moor has launched a Democratic primary challenge against United States Senator John Fetterman for his Pennsylvania seat ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
The 42-year-old Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member, who resides in West Philadelphia, announced his candidacy, directly confronting Fetterman's record as one of the most vociferous supporters of Israel on Capitol Hill.
Moor's bid signals mounting progressive resistance against the incumbent following the Democrats' recapture of the Senate in the recent midterm elections, securing at least 54 seats and eliminating Fetterman's role as an indispensable swing vote.
"I'm not really running against Fetterman," Moor told The Philadelphia Inquirer.
"I'm running for good government. I’m running for the rule of law. I'm running because I believe in America."
My name is Ahmed Moor and I’m running for US Senate here in PA (election 2028). I’m running to end the war in Iran and to promote the dignity agenda: free healthcare, free childcare, and affordable housing. I’m calling for accountability for genocide, for ICE and for corruption. And finally, for the protection of our civil liberties in America. Join the fight at https://t.co/gM0uBwST6b
— Ahmed Moor (@AhmedMoor) November 9, 2026
Foreign policy clash
Moor was born in the southern Gaza city of Rafah before emigrating to the United States and building a career in journalism and public policy.
He characterises Israel's genocidal war in Gaza—which has killed upwards of 74,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children—as a genocide funded by American taxpayers that claimed members of his own family, including his cousin's 19-year-old son.
His campaign platform calls for an immediate end to US military aid to Israel and the enactment of sanctions modelled on the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 that targeted South Africa, until Palestinians achieve equal rights.
Moor also advocates halting the $90 billion war in Iran, introducing Medicare for All, providing universal free childcare, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"A few years ago my birthplace was turned to rubble in a genocide funded by our tax dollars, with the support of politicians on both sides of the aisle," Moor said in his campaign launch.
"It's the same story now in Iran... driving up the price of diesel and making our groceries more expensive."
Disquiet among Democrats
Fetterman, who entered the Senate in 2022 as a progressive outsider, has drawn widespread condemnation from party loyalists for repeatedly siding with Republicans, backing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and receiving praise from President Donald Trump.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Fetterman has met more frequently with Netanyahu than with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Fetterman has previously insisted he has no plans to abandon the Democratic Party unless it adopts an officially "anti-Israel" stance.
However, Pennsylvania party organisers expressed fury after he addressed a Republican convention in Texas in September, praising Republican Senator Dave McCormick whilst withholding financial support from Democratic candidates.
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Source: TRT
