“At the beginning of the midterm campaigns, I said it was up to the citizens to vote for who would represent them. If I lived in Pennsylvania, I would have already cast my vote for John Fetterman for many reasons,” Winfrey said.

Michelle Gustafson/Bloomberg/Getty; Jon Kopaloff/Getty

John Fetterman, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and Democratic senate candidate, speaks during a campaign event in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S., on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Fetterman, the only candidate who has run statewide, leads the Democratic field with 33% in an Emerson College poll last month. Photographer: Michelle Gustafson/Bloomberg via Getty Images ; Oprah Winfrey attends Premiere Of Apple TV +’s “Sidney” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on September 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

“There are clear choices and some dynamic candidates who are working to represent the values that so many of us hold dear — like inclusion, compassion and community. So I ask that voters use discernment and choose wisely to preserve the democracy of our country.”

Fetterman’s campaignacknowledged the endorsement, giving a statement to NBC News. “It speaks volumes that Oprah would endorse Fetterman over Oz, after declining to weigh in during Oz’s primary election,” the team said.

John Fetterman, Mehmet Oz.Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Bonnie Biess/Getty

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and Dr. Mehmet Oz

The Pennsylvania race is one ofseveral close electionsthat could determine which party takes over the Senate after the midterms

Winfrey also backed other Democrats running in next week’s midterm elections, includingSen. Raphael WarnockandStacey Abramsin Georgia, and formerRep. Beto O’Rourkein Texas.

Spencer Platt/Getty

WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Pennsylvania GOP Senate candidate and former TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks before an appearance by former president Donald Trump to endorse local candidates at the Mohegan Sun Arena on September 03, 2022 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Trump still denies that he lost the election against President Joe Biden and has encouraged his supporters to doubt the election process. Trump has backed Senate candidate Mehmet Oz and gubernatorial hopeful Doug Mastriano. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Though the pair now have clear political differences, a spokesperson for Dr. Oz told thePhiladelphia Inquirerthat the candidate “loves Oprah and respects the fact that they have different politics.”

source: people.com