John Fetterman’s Approval Plummets Among Democrats: What’s Next for Pennsylvania’s Senator?

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s Approval Takes a Hit Among Democrats — What’s Going On?

If you’ve been keeping an eye on Pennsylvania politics lately, you probably heard about the latest poll numbers for Senator John Fetterman — and they’re not looking great within his own party. According to a recent Morning Consult survey conducted from April to June 2025, Fetterman’s net approval rating among Democrats has plummeted to a historic low of just 24%. That’s a staggering 33-point drop from the end of 2024.

Wait, what? A 33-point drop in just six months?

Yep. It’s a huge shift in how Democratic voters view the senator, who was once riding a wave of strong support following his election in 2022.

The Numbers Tell a Story

To break down the numbers:

• End of 2024: Fetterman enjoyed a solid 57% net approval among Democrats.

• End of Q1 2025: That figure dipped sharply to 35%.

• End of Q2 2025: Now, it’s down to 24%.

Meanwhile, other Democratic senators have mostly held steady, with their approval ratings among Democratic voters dropping by only about two percentage points during the same timeframe.

This tells us that Fetterman’s decline isn’t just a trend hitting everyone — it’s a specific challenge for him.

What’s Driving the Decline?

A bunch of factors seem to be colliding here:

1. Controversial Stances: Fetterman has taken some positions that don’t sit well with the Democratic base. His firm support for Israel and a more hawkish approach to border security have raised eyebrows among progressives who might prefer a different tone or policies.

2. Cross-Party Meeting Drama: Back in January, Fetterman met with former President Donald Trump in Florida, a move that sparked backlash. Many Democrats found it hard to reconcile with the party’s stance on Trump and the broader political climate.

3. Criticism About Commitment: The Philadelphia Inquirer recently accused Fetterman of neglecting his senatorial duties. That kind of media attention can seriously impact public perception.

4. Health Concerns: Fetterman’s health has been in the spotlight since 2022, when he suffered a stroke. Shortly after taking office, he sought treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. While many sympathize, concerns about his ability to serve fully persist among some voters.

But Not Everyone’s Down on Fetterman

Not all polls paint such a bleak picture. For instance, a June survey from Susquehanna Polling and Research shows a bit more balance:

• 41% approve of Fetterman

• 37% disapprove

This poll sampled 713 likely voters with a margin of error of ±3.7%. While these numbers are closer, they still reflect a divided opinion about the senator.

What Are Experts Saying?

James Lee, president of Susquehanna Polling and Research, told PennLive in June that while Fetterman’s re-election is still a few years out, his biggest vulnerability appears to be within the Democratic primary rather than in a general election against Republicans. That means his biggest challenge could come from challengers in his own party who question his positions and approach.

Morning Consult’s analysis also noted something interesting: Fetterman’s firm defense of Israel and his alignment with the GOP’s tougher stance on immigration has actually helped him gain some ground with Republican voters. Yet, this has come at a serious cost to his standing among Democrats.

What Does Fetterman Say About All This?

Back in January on The View, Fetterman tackled some of the questions head-on. He joked about how he wouldn’t make a good Republican because of his progressive views:

“I would make a pretty terrible Republican because, you know, pro-choice, pro really strong immigration, pro-LGBTQ... I don't think I'd be a good fit. So, I'm not going to change my party, and if I am... I'll give you the exclusive.”

That line shows he’s pretty committed to the Democratic Party despite the criticism and polling challenges.

What’s Next for Fetterman?

Fetterman’s current term runs through 2028, and as of now, he hasn’t confirmed if he plans to run for re-election. Given the polling trends, the next few years will be critical for him to reconnect with his base or face a tough primary challenge.

Why Should We Care?

Fetterman’s case highlights a broader trend in American politics — the fine line politicians walk between appealing to their base and reaching across the aisle. His recent shifts and controversies show how complicated that balancing act can be.

• For Democrats: It’s a reminder that party loyalty isn’t guaranteed when key issues cause division.

• For Voters: It’s a moment to pay attention to how elected officials are evolving and whether they truly represent their constituents.

• For Political Watchers: Fetterman’s situation could serve as a bellwether for other politicians facing similar pressures.

Quick Recap — What You Should Know About Fetterman’s Poll Trouble:

• Sharp decline: 33-point drop in net approval among Democrats in six months.

• Health and controversy: Stroke in 2022, treatment for depression, and criticism over dedication to duties.

• Policy stands: Strong defense of Israel and tougher immigration stance causing friction.

• Republican view: Gains some favor among GOP voters despite Democratic losses.

• Upcoming election: Re-election not confirmed, but likely a challenging Democratic primary ahead.

Final Thought

Senator John Fetterman’s journey over the past few years has been a rollercoaster — from a high-profile stroke survivor and progressive hero to a figure now wrestling with declining support among his own party. Whether he can turn things around depends on how he addresses the issues driving discontent and how effectively he communicates his vision going forward.

Stay tuned — Pennsylvania politics is definitely heating up.