Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is facing a concerning drop in his approval ratings among Democratic voters, according to a recent poll conducted by Quinnipiac University. The poll, released Wednesday, reveals that Fetterman’s approval rating among Democrats has fallen to 54 percent, with a disapproval rate of 33 percent. This marks a stark decline from January 2024, when he enjoyed an 80 percent approval rating and just a 10 percent disapproval rating.
This shift in approval signals a significant political change for Fetterman, who was initially celebrated for his victory in flipping a crucial Senate seat in 2022. However, he is now encountering substantial backlash from his party’s base, primarily due to his stances on various policy issues, concerns regarding his health and performance, and his willingness to collaborate with Republicans.
Interestingly, Fetterman’s approval rating among Republicans has actually increased, currently standing at 62 percent with a 21 percent disapproval rate, compared to a 75 percent disapproval rating among Republicans in January. The Quinnipiac poll surveyed 1,579 registered voters in Pennsylvania from September 25 to September 29 and has a margin of error of 3.3 percent. Overall, Fetterman’s rating stands at 46 percent approval against a 38 percent disapproval rate, reflecting a slight increase from January’s figures of 45 percent approval and 42 percent disapproval.
The declining support from his own party could invite challenges in future primaries and complicate his hopes for reelection in 2028. The poll highlights growing ideological divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly in Pennsylvania, a key swing state that will be closely monitored as the 2026 midterms and the 2028 election cycle approach.
Public criticism aimed at Fetterman has sharpened, particularly regarding his positions on border security and his strong backing of Israel amid tensions in Gaza. He has also faced scrutiny for his past votes and attendance in the Senate, with local editorial boards urging him to either “serve Pennsylvanians or step away.”
Political analysts, such as Columbia University’s Robert Y. Shapiro, have pointed out that Fetterman is an unconventional political figure within the Democratic Party, which can attract both support and criticism. As his approval ratings fluctuate, the impact on his potential reelection will largely depend on the nature of his primary and general election challengers.
As Senator Fetterman navigates these challenges, he continues to advocate for his record and align himself with party values. The evolving political landscape in Pennsylvania suggests that Fetterman’s situation is one to watch closely in the coming years as both party dynamics and voter sentiments continue to shift.