Deluzio builds war chest in Upper Bucks for potential 2028 Senate run

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio has raised $3.8 million in campaign funds for the current election cycle, a total that exceeds the fundraising of every other Democrat representing Pennsylvania in the House. The figure reflects his active preparation for a potential run in the 2028 U.S. Senate race, which will follow the term of current Sen. John Fetterman.

Deluzio, a 42-year-old Navy veteran and lawyer, has spent the past year traveling across the state to support various Democratic candidates. His campaign reported that he has raised or directly donated $300,000 for congressional candidates and $350,000 for state legislative candidates. He has also contributed $65,000 to the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. These efforts have helped him build a network of donors and activists in key regions, including the Philadelphia area, which holds the largest bloc of Democratic voters in the state.

The groundwork for this push began as Fetterman faced growing criticism from his own party base. Fetterman has not yet declared whether he will seek a second six-year term, but he has indicated his future will become clearer after the midterm elections. Other potential candidates for the 2028 seat include U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle and State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta. Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick won the state’s last Senate race in 2024 in an upset against Bob Casey, setting the stage for a competitive future contest.

Deluzio recently campaigned in Upper Bucks County, where he addressed supporters in a periodontist’s office in Dublin. He spoke alongside Commissioner Bob Harvie, who is running against U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in the 1st Congressional District. Deluzio described the district as a bellwether and shared his experience with competitive races. He said he is frequently asked about the Senate but has no set timeline for a decision. He stated that his ambition is not about the job itself, but about shaping the country’s future.

His fundraising numbers have surged since last year, a period that followed President Donald Trump’s public criticism of Deluzio and five other Democrats who invoked military backgrounds to discuss executive orders. Trump labeled their actions as seditious behavior, which led to increased public attention and support for Deluzio. In contrast, Fetterman’s fundraising has fluctuated as he attempts to appeal to a wider audience. Fetterman’s campaign recently updated its website to include a recurring donation option called Fetter Nation, offering merchandise and virtual conversations to supporters.

Deluzio has adopted a consistent message focused on economic populism and the cost of living. He frequently cites the war in Iran and administration corruption as key issues. He has aligned himself with both progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic Party, aiming to broaden his appeal. Larry Ceisler, a Philadelphia-based public affairs executive, noted that Deluzio has made himself familiar to local activists and donors without taking money away from competitive candidates. This strategy has allowed him to establish a statewide presence ahead of the next election cycle.

The 2028 race will likely be expensive and crowded, requiring tens of millions of dollars to compete effectively. Deluzio’s campaign is focused on building an operation that can support candidates at every level. He has emphasized the importance of winning in competitive areas, a skill he gained while representing a district in Western Pennsylvania that flipped to Democratic control in 2018. His current fundraising lead provides a financial advantage as he continues to evaluate whether to launch a formal campaign for the Senate.