Politics
Fetterman Loses Ground with Democrats, GOP Approval Skyrockets
By Jake Beardslee · October 14, 2025
Dramatic Shift in Party Support
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has seen a stunning reversal in political favor, according to new polling from Quinnipiac University. The survey shows his approval among Democrats plunging from 80% earlier this year to 54%, while Republican approval has skyrocketed from 16% in 2024 to 62%. Independent voters remain split on his performance. Julia Demaree Nikhinson-Pool via Imagn Images
From Progressive Icon to Political Outlier
When elected in 2022, Fetterman’s working-class image — often seen in a hoodie and shorts — and his self-described “progressive Democrat” label made him a favorite among the party’s left wing. Over time, however, he has distanced himself from the progressive label, increasingly aligning with Republican priorities and angering Democrats who once championed him. Paul Kuehnel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Crossing Party Lines on Key Votes
Since President Donald Trump began his second term, Fetterman has broken ranks with his party on several key votes, including supporting two GOP-led measures to avert government shutdowns. Fetterman said his votes were driven by a desire to avoid “chaos” and frustration with Democratic leadership. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
Comparisons to Joe Manchin
Some Democrats now view Fetterman as following the path of former Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who left the Democratic Party last year to become an independent. “Many Democrats feel betrayed,” said Democratic strategist Brad Bannon, according to The Hill. “He ran as a fiery blue-collar liberal, which created the possibility that was hope for working-class progressive populism.”“He dashed those dreams with his move to the middle,” Bannon added. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
Rejecting Talk of a Party Switch
Despite the speculation, Fetterman insists he’s staying put. “No I’m not going to switch,” he recently told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo on "Sunday Morning Futures." Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Fetterman Urges Democrats to Avoid Moving Further Left
In a separate interview with CNN’s Manu Raju on "Inside Politics," Fetterman criticized his party for misreading the lessons of 2024: “They have forgotten one of the reasons why we lost in 2024. Some people think now we have to double down on those things or we must become more progressive or more extreme. That’s absolutely not true.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK
Fetterman Stresses Focus on Key Battleground States
Fetterman continued, “The seven or eight states that are going to determine who’s going to be our next president, you know, we have to win in those states, and I understand what it takes.” Josh Morgan, Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK