John Fetterman loses Dem support but gains Republican approval in Pennsylvania, poll shows

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA: Democratic Sen John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is now enjoying a higher approval among Republicans than Democrats in his own constituency, according to a new Quinnipiac poll released on Wednesday, October 1.

The survey showed Fetterman has a 62–21 approval rating among GOP voters in Pennsylvania, a stunning reversal from 2024, when Republicans disapproved of him 75–16. Meanwhile, his approval among Pennsylvania Democrats has collapsed from 80–10 last year to 54–33.

GOP voter approval surges for John Fetterman

Overall, Fetterman holds a 46–38 approval margin statewide, up slightly from 45–42 in 2024. Independents remain evenly split, with 43–43 approval compared to 42–43 last year.

Pollsters noted that the unusual partisan breakdown underscores how much his willingness to defy his own party has reshaped his political profile in Pennsylvania. The poll results reflect Fetterman’s growing reputation for dissent within Democratic ranks.

Over the past year, his departure from party orthodoxy on major issues has caused a dramatic realignment of his voter base with Republicans now allegedly warming to him while Democrats turn away.

Fetterman defying party line on shutdown vote

On Tuesday, September 30, as Congress faced a looming government shutdown, Fetterman, along with two other Senate Democrats, Sen Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Sen. Angus King of Maine, sided with Republicans and voted for a continuing resolution to keep the government open.

“I just voted for two CR’s tonight,” Fetterman said on X. “One extends the ACA tax credits … the second is about making sure we keep our government open, and I did vote for that. I think it’s a sad event if we shut our government down later today.”

Controversies are not new for John Fetterman 

This was not the first time Fetterman defied his party leadership. In February, he was the lone Democrat to vote with Republicans to confirm Pam Bondi as Attorney General, citing her qualifications even while acknowledging she was not an “ideal” candidate.

That decision raised eyebrows in Washington, with critics suggesting it signaled how far Fetterman was willing to depart from his caucus.

In June, he again broke ranks by opposing a resolution that would have required congressional approval before offensive military action against Iran. 

Explaining his decision, Fetterman said he did not want to restrict any president, Republican or Democrat, from exercising military authority in defense of US interests.

The move drew sharp criticism from progressive colleagues, who argued that unchecked presidential power risks dragging the country into conflict without accountability.

Despite this string of departures, Fetterman has made it clear he has no intention of leaving the Democratic Party.

He pushed back in January against rumors of a party switch, insisting that his core values place him firmly on the left.

“I would make a pretty terrible Republican because, you know, pro-choice, pro really strong immigration, pro-LGBTQ,” Fetterman said during an appearance on 'The View' at the time. “I don’t think I’d be a good fit. So, I’m not going to change my party.”