Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is facing a steep decline in support from his own party base, with new polling indicating that only about 20 percent of registered Pennsylvania Democrats view him favorably. As first reported by idahopress.com, the senator’s shifting political posture has drawn criticism from progressive allies and opened the door to potential primary challenges in 2028.
Fetterman’s isolation within the Democratic Party has grown more pronounced as he has publicly supported several of President Donald Trump’s policy priorities and criticized fellow Democrats in media appearances. The senator recently made a video appearance at the Republican National Convention in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, where he praised GOP Sen. David McCormick and stated his intention to work with the president to “defend the steel way of life.”
Why It Matters
The erosion of Fetterman’s support among Pennsylvania Democrats signals a broader realignment in the state’s political landscape. While Fetterman maintains that he will not switch parties, citing his continued support for labor unions and LGBT rights, his voting record and public statements have increasingly aligned with Republican positions.
This shift has significant implications for Democratic strategy in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. With President Trump pledging tax rebates to Americans if the GOP retains Congress, the political dynamics in states like Pennsylvania are becoming increasingly complex as voters reassess their allegiances.
What Happened
Fetterman’s relationship with his party has deteriorated over the past two years. In 2024, 74 percent of registered Pennsylvania Democrats held a positive view of the senator. By August 2026, that number had dropped to approximately 20 percent, according to a New York Times poll.
Conversely, Fetterman’s approval among Republican voters has surged. A recent survey found that 73 percent of Pennsylvania Republicans now view him favorably, up from just 25 percent a couple of years ago. A Quinnipiac poll from July confirmed this trend, showing that most Republicans approve of Fetterman’s job performance while most Democrats do not.
The senator’s political journey has been marked by significant personal challenges. He suffered a stroke on the campaign trail before winning his Senate seat in 2022 and was later hospitalized for clinical depression during the early months of his term. Despite these setbacks, Fetterman has remained active in public life, though his attendance at Senate votes and hearings has been inconsistent.
By The Numbers
- 20 percent: The proportion of registered Pennsylvania Democrats with a favorable view of Fetterman, according to an August New York Times poll.
- 74 percent: The percentage of registered Pennsylvania Democrats who viewed Fetterman positively in 2024.
- 73 percent: The current percentage of Republican voters in Pennsylvania giving Fetterman a positive rating.
- 25 percent: The percentage of Republican voters who viewed Fetterman favorably just two years ago.
Zoom Out
Fetterman’s political realignment reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party between progressive and moderate factions. His support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which began drawing criticism from progressives in late 2023, has been a significant point of contention.
The senator has also voted with Republicans on several key issues, including ending a government shutdown last year and supporting multiple Trump nominations. He opposed efforts to end the war in Iran and has been critical of Democratic Socialists of America members.
In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Fetterman stated he would not become a Republican but expressed willingness to engage with those “playing it straight.” This stance has further alienated some of his former allies while earning him respect from conservative voters.
What’s Next
With the 2028 election cycle approaching, Democrats in Pennsylvania are already discussing potential primary challenges against Fetterman. Lori McFarland, Democratic Party chair in Lehigh County, stated that no one has requested Fetterman’s presence on the campaign trail, highlighting his diminished role within the party.
Cindy Durian, a Democrat from suburban Harrisburg, said she would never vote for Fetterman again, reflecting the frustration felt by many progressive voters. State Rep. Peter Schweyer of Allentown noted that he could not recall when he last saw the senator, underscoring Fetterman’s growing isolation.
Fetterman’s future in the Senate will depend on his ability to reconcile his shifting political identity with the expectations of his base. As voters in other states like New Hampshire prepare for their own political showdowns, Fetterman’s situation serves as a case study in the challenges facing politicians who attempt to bridge partisan divides.
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