Fetterman’s Popularity Takes a Dive Among Local Democrats
In a revealing internal poll unearthed by POLITICO, John Fetterman’s popularity appears to be plummeting among Democratic voters in his own backyard. This troubling trend marks one of the first significant signs that the Pennsylvania senator is losing traction with the very constituents who propelled him into office.
The implications of this poll could be substantial, as behind-the-scenes discussions among Pennsylvania Democrats increasingly revolve around the potential of a primary challenge against Fetterman in 2028.
Living just outside Pittsburgh, Fetterman is finding himself in choppy waters with likely Democratic voters in the city. According to the survey, a striking 49 percent hold an unfavorable view of him, while only 46 percent view him favorably. For context, Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro enjoys a much rosier picture, with an 82 percent favorable rating compared to a mere 13 percent unfavorable.
This poll, conducted by a Democratic firm and aimed at gauging sentiments ahead of Pittsburgh’s upcoming mayoral primary, was completed prior to New York magazine’s report that raised concerns among staff regarding Fetterman’s mental and physical health.
While this is just one poll and may contradict more favorable public surveys, it has nonetheless sent shockwaves through Democratic circles in the state. “In Pittsburgh, this is a break-glass, freak-out moment for Fetterman,” remarked an anonymous Democratic strategist, reflecting the growing unease.
The results underscore a tangible vulnerability for Fetterman, whose strong personal ties to the region have been a cornerstone of his political identity. During his successful 2022 Senate campaign, his supporters were even handed yellow, Fetterman-branded towels reminiscent of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Terrible Towel.” He often embraces the local vernacular, using the term “yinzer” to connect with Pittsburgh natives and naming his affection for the convenience store chain Sheetz.
In the 2022 Senate primary, Fetterman decisively captured Allegheny County, which encompasses Pittsburgh, winning by a hefty 25 percentage points over rivals Conor Lamb and Malcolm Kenyatta.
The internal poll surveyed 500 likely Democratic primary voters in Pittsburgh from February 6 to February 11, utilizing a combination of phone interviews and text-to-online responses.
These findings starkly contrast with other public polling that suggests Democratic voters in Pennsylvania have largely remained supportive of Fetterman, even as criticism of his positions on Israel and his meetings with former President Donald Trump mounts.
Recent surveys from Morning Consult indicate that while Fetterman’s popularity appears to be improving among Republican voters, he is experiencing a decline in support from national Democrats and independents. Morning Consult and other polls have painted a mixed picture of his standing.
Some strategists in Pennsylvania believe that Fetterman’s evolving approach to Trump could be more detrimental among Democratic voters than his controversial stance on Israel. Fetterman’s votes to confirm several of Trump’s top officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, have raised eyebrows. He has publicly stated that meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago was an opportunity to engage anyone who could assist in delivering results for Pennsylvania and the nation.
The internal survey reveals a particularly stark decline in Fetterman’s standing among progressive Democrats in Pittsburgh, where a hefty 74 percent rated him unfavorably, compared to just 22 percent who viewed him positively. Among liberal Democrats, he garnered a 52 percent favorable rating to 47 percent unfavorable, while moderate and conservative Democrats showed more support, with 65 percent favorable to 27 percent unfavorable.
With growing concerns about Fetterman’s health, some Democrats in Pennsylvania have begun to explore the procedural rules concerning potential resignations and are quietly speculating about possible replacements. Fetterman himself has emphatically denied any fitness issues, labeling the New York article as “a one-source hit piece,” and has pledged to serve out his term, which concludes in 2029.
