Voters Demand To Democrat Resign
New Survey Shows Majority of Pennsylvania Voters Want Fetterman to Leave the Democratic Party
Pennsylvania voters are sending a message that few political observers expected.
A new statewide poll shows that a majority of registered voters believe Sen. John Fetterman should leave the Democratic Party, highlighting the unique political position the first-term senator now occupies. While Fetterman insists he has no plans to switch parties, his willingness to challenge Democratic leaders on several major issues has fueled continued speculation about his political future.
The findings come from a new Quinnipiac University poll that found 52% of Pennsylvania voters believe Fetterman should leave the Democratic Party, while his overall job approval rating stands at 48%.
The numbers paint an unusual picture for one of the nation’s most closely watched swing states.
Democrats and Republicans Agree on One Thing
Perhaps the most surprising result is that support for Fetterman leaving the Democratic Party comes from voters across the political spectrum.
According to the survey:
- 57% of Democrats said they would like to see Fetterman leave the party.
- 55% of Republicans shared that view.
- 46% of independent voters also favored the idea.
Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy summed up the unusual political landscape by noting that Democrats appear ready to push Fetterman away while many Republicans seem willing to welcome him.
The poll underscores how difficult Fetterman has become to categorize politically.
Why John Fetterman Continues to Stand Out
Since winning Pennsylvania’s open Senate seat in 2022, Fetterman has developed a reputation as one of the Senate’s most independent Democrats.
Although he still votes with Democrats on many key issues, he has repeatedly broken with members of his own party on high-profile debates. His outspoken support for Israel, criticism of some progressive positions, and willingness to work across party lines have earned praise from many conservatives while drawing criticism from some Democrats.
Those differences have fueled recurring rumors that Fetterman could eventually become a Republican or register as an independent.
Despite the speculation, Fetterman has consistently rejected those claims.
In an opinion article published earlier this year, he wrote that he would make “a terrible Republican” because he continues to vote with Democrats on most legislation.
He also acknowledged during a television interview that his growing popularity among Republican voters has been somewhat surprising.
Pennsylvania Governor’s Race Remains Competitive
The Quinnipiac poll also measured voter sentiment in Pennsylvania’s race for governor.
Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro currently leads Republican challenger Stacy Garrity by 13 percentage points. While that gives Shapiro a clear advantage, the race has tightened since February, when he held an 18-point lead.
Malloy suggested Garrity’s biggest obstacle is that many voters still know relatively little about her compared to the incumbent governor.
The survey also found that 56% of voters approve of Shapiro’s job performance, while 34% disapprove.
Trump’s Approval Rating in Pennsylvania
The poll also asked voters about President Donald Trump’s job performance.
According to the survey, 39% of Pennsylvania voters approve of the president’s performance, while 58% disapprove, leaving him with a net approval rating that remains below water in the state.
Because Pennsylvania is expected to remain one of the nation’s most competitive battleground states, public opinion there will continue to receive close attention from both political parties.
What the Poll Could Mean Going Forward
While polls represent only a snapshot in time, the latest survey highlights John Fetterman’s increasingly unique role in American politics.
His willingness to break with fellow Democrats on several major issues has made him one of the Senate’s most unpredictable lawmakers. At the same time, that independence appears to be reshaping how voters from both parties view him.
Whether Fetterman ultimately remains a Democrat or continues carving out an independent path within the party, the latest polling suggests his political future will remain a major story in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Poll Methodology
The Quinnipiac University survey was conducted from July 9 through July 13 among 895 registered Pennsylvania voters. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.