Pennsylvania Democrats Distance Themselves From Senator John Fetterman Amid Falling Approval

Senator John Fetterman’s standing with Pennsylvania Democrats has deteriorated markedly, as recent polls show only about 20% of registered Democrats view him favorably, while 73% of Republicans rate him positively. The shift follows a series of public disagreements with party leaders and support for policies aligned with President Donald Trump and Israel’s war in Gaza.

Local Democratic officials say they are no longer seeking the senator’s assistance on campaign matters. "I absolutely think that Fetterman would bring us more harm than good," said Lori McFarland, chair of the Lehigh County Democratic Party. "Nobody’s asked to see him, nobody’s requested his presence, and people, quite honestly, they’re mad at him and they don’t want anything to do with him."

Fetterman, who has emphasized his commitment to labor unions, LGBT rights and other traditionally Democratic issues, told Fox News host Sean Hannity that he will not switch parties but will continue to engage with anyone he considers "playing it straight." He has not responded to requests for comment from reporters.

Critics within the state party point to his frequent votes with Republicans, support for several Trump nominees, and a pattern of missed Senate votes and hearings. "He is antagonizing Democrats, seemingly for pleasure," said Democratic strategist J.J. Abbott. Voter Cindy Durian, a participant in the May primary, said she would not support him again, adding, "I think he might as well change parties, he might as well change from a D to an R."

The senator’s absence from Pennsylvania political events has been noted by several elected officials. State Rep. Peter Schweyer remarked, "I couldn’t tell you. We assumed that when we got him there that we were going to get somebody who’s going to fight for us. And what we got instead was somebody who just disappeared."

With multiple high-profile races in the state this year, including Governor Josh Shapiro’s re-election bid and several competitive congressional contests, Democratic candidates have largely proceeded without Fetterman’s involvement. Representative Chris Deluzio, who is considering a Senate run in 2028, said, "I don’t think that Democrats want John Fetterman campaigning for them, and I say that as a guy who’s campaigning with Democrats in the most competitive and toughest districts across Pennsylvania."

Fetterman has warned that a Democratic shift away from support for Israel would constitute a “red line” that could prompt him to leave the party. He has also formed a joint fundraising effort with Republican Senator David McCormick, an arrangement noted by Senate Majority Leader John Thune as potentially welcoming should Fetterman decide to switch parties.

The evolving dynamics raise questions about the Democratic caucus’s ability to maintain its Senate majority and the potential impact on upcoming elections.