John Fetterman Polls Show Approval Drop Among Democrats and Gain With Republicans

Once in high demand on the campaign trail, Fetterman now navigates a shadow primary for his 2028 seat and deep isolation from his party.

Around this time two years ago, Sen. John Fetterman was a sought-after presence on the campaign trail, traveling across Pennsylvania to support Democratic candidates. Today, two years of breaking with party leadership on key votes and foreign policy have left him isolated from the base that elected him, according to local reporting and political analysis.

No Democrat in the state wants to be seen campaigning alongside him. Instead, a shadow primary is taking shape for his Senate seat in 2028, even as questions linger over whether he plans to seek another term.

Polling Reversal and Voter Reactions in Pennsylvania

The shift in voter sentiment is starkly visible in statewide polling. According to an August New York Times poll, only about 2 in 10 registered Democrats in Pennsylvania hold a favorable view of Fetterman. That figure represents a dramatic reversal from 2024, when 74% of registered Democrats viewed him positively.

Conversely, Fetterman’s standing among Republicans has surged. The same polling shows that 73% of Republican voters in the state give him a positive rating, up from 25% two years prior. A Quinnipiac poll from July similarly indicated that most Republicans approve of his job performance, while most Democrats do not.

That divide was underscored by Cindy Durian, a Democrat voting in May’s primary in suburban Harrisburg, who stated she would never vote for him again.

“I think he might as well change parties, he might as well change from a D to an R.”

Local Democratic leaders echo that assessment. Lori McFarland, the Democratic Party chair in Lehigh County, noted that local officials are actively steering clear of the senator.

GOP Convention Appearance and Stance on Key Issues

Fetterman cemented his divergence from national and state Democrats with a video appearance at the Republican Party convention in Dallas, where he introduced Pennsylvania Sen. David McCormick and praised his Republican colleague.

Steel’s Edgar Thomson steel mill visible behind him—Fetterman defended his cross-party appeal and stated his commitment to manufacturing interests.

Throughout his term, Fetterman has maintained staunch support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, criticized left-wing members of the Democratic Socialists of America, voted with Republicans to end a government shutdown, backed multiple Trump administration nominations, and opposed efforts to end the war in Iran.

Despite aligning with conservative priorities on several fronts, Fetterman has maintained that he has no intention of changing his party affiliation. He cited his enduring support for labor unions and LGBT rights as foundational.

“I’m not going to be a Republican, but I’m going to be a Democrat that’s going to have a conversation with whoever is playing it straight.”

Legislative Record, Attendance, and Party Strategy

Beyond policy disagreements, Democratic strategists and state lawmakers have raised concerns regarding Fetterman’s legislative engagement. Following a stroke on the campaign trail before winning his seat in 2022 and subsequent hospitalization for clinical depression early in his term, his voting record and committee attendance have drawn scrutiny.

John Fetterman Polls Show Approval Drop Among Democrats and Gain With Republicans — Photo: ABC News – Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Abbott observed that the senator’s public posture toward his own party has grown increasingly combative.

“He is antagonizing Democrats, seemingly for pleasure.”

State officials, including Allentown state Rep. Peter Schweyer, noted a distinct absence of the senator from local legislative efforts and public functions. Meanwhile, as Pennsylvania Democrats focus on marquee races—including Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s reelection bid and efforts to hold a narrow state House majority—party figures have left Fetterman entirely off their campaign calendars.