John Fetterman, the Pennsylvania senator, is facing a decline in popularity among Democratic voters in his own backyard, according to an internal poll obtained by POLITICO. This development is significant as there are murmurs within Democratic circles in Pennsylvania about the possibility of a primary challenge against Fetterman in 2028.
The poll reveals that Fetterman, who resides near Pittsburgh, is facing a negative perception among likely Democratic voters in the city. Forty-nine percent of respondents reported having an unfavorable impression of him, while 46 percent viewed him favorably. In contrast, Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro enjoys a much higher favorability rating, with 82 percent viewing him positively and only 13 percent unfavorably.
The survey, conducted by a Democratic firm for the upcoming mayoral primary election in Pittsburgh, was carried out prior to a recent article in New York magazine that raised concerns about Fetterman’s mental and physical well-being. While this is just one poll and contradicts recent public surveys, it has nonetheless surprised many Democrats in the state.
Fetterman, known for his close ties to the region, has emphasized his Pittsburgh roots as a key aspect of his political identity. During his Senate campaign in 2022, his team distributed yellow, Fetterman-branded towels inspired by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Terrible Towel.” He frequently refers to himself as a “yinzer,” a term used to describe a Pittsburgh native, and highlights his affinity for the convenience store Sheetz.
Despite his strong showing in Allegheny County during the 2022 Senate primary, where he won by a significant margin, the recent poll indicates a vulnerability for Fetterman among Democratic voters in Pittsburgh. The survey of 500 likely Democratic primary voters in the city conducted from Feb. 6 to Feb. 11, through a combination of phone calls and text-to-online responses, highlights a shift in sentiment towards the senator.
While public polling has shown consistent support for Fetterman among Democratic voters in Pennsylvania, recent internal polling suggests a decline in his standing among progressives in Pittsburgh specifically. Seventy-four percent of self-identified progressive Democrats in the city viewed him unfavorably, while only 22 percent had a favorable opinion of him.
As questions swirl about Fetterman’s health and fitness for office, some Democrats in the state are exploring the potential ramifications if he were to step down and considering alternative candidates. Fetterman has vehemently denied any suggestion that he is unfit to serve, dismissing the New York article as a “one-source hit piece,” and reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling his term, which concludes in 2029.
