Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday that she was endorsing Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman over Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz in the Pennsylvania Senate race.
While Winfrey is a Democrat herself, it’s notable because Oz first came to prominence as a health expert on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” before he got his own talk show in 2009, which was produced her company Harpo. His show ended in January.
“I’ll tell you all this, if I lived in Pennsylvania, I would have already cast my vote for John Fetterman for many reasons,” Winfrey said during a virtual conversation with community leaders.
Fetterman’s campaign said Winfrey’s support for the Democrat over Oz “speaks volumes.”
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Oprah Winfrey, left, endorsed Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, right, on Thursday.
(Steve Jennings/Mark Makela)
“Oprah is widely regarded as the person who helped launch Dr. Oz’s career, and knows him well,” the campaign said.
Fetterman called her endorsement an “honor and privilege,” saying 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.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz and media personality Oprah Winfrey cut the ribbon to signal the start of the "Live Your Best Life Walk" to celebrate O, The Oprah Magazine’s 10th Anniversary at Intrepid Welcome Center on May 9, 2010, in New York City.
(Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
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Following the primaries, Winfrey previously declined to make an endorsement in the race, saying it was up to Pennsylvanians to decide.
Since then, the polls have tightened, with Fetterman’s lead having shrunk.
Winfrey also endorsed Democrats in other races.
Democratic Senate candidate, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, left, and Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz, right.
(AP Photo)
“That is not the only race that matters,” she said. “If I was in North Carolina, as you mentioned, Sister [Cheri] Beasley there, and if I was in Florida, I’d be supporting Val Demings. If I was in Wisconsin, it would be Mandela Barnes. In Nevada, [Catherine] Cortez Masto, and in Texas, Beto O’Rourke and Raphael Warnock and the incredible Stacey Abrams, of course, in Georgia.”
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She continued, “There are clear choices out there… the values we hold dear, the values of inclusion, the values of compassion and that so many of us share… Use your discernment and choose wisely for the democracy of our country.”
Oz’s campaign has not responded to the endorsement.
