A new survey of Pennsylvania registered voters found that Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) holds a higher favorability rating among the state's Republicans than their own Republican senator, Dave McCormick. The poll, conducted by The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena University, shows Fetterman is viewed favorably by 73 percent of Pennsylvania Republicans, compared to 63 percent for McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO.
The findings reflect a shift in Fetterman’s standing across party lines since 2024. During that time, his favorability among state Republicans was 25 percent, while 74 percent of Pennsylvania Democrats viewed him favorably. The current data shows that Republican favorability for Fetterman has increased to more than 7 in 10, while his favorability among Democrats has decreased to 22 percent, with 63 percent of Democrats now viewing him unfavorably.
The polling was conducted in two phases, from April 28 to May 7 and from August 17 to August 21, 2026. Interviewers contacted 760 voters during the August period, drawing from a demographically balanced group of nearly 47,000 voters. Among independent voters, Fetterman holds a 49 percent favorability rating, while 36 percent view him unfavorably.
The shift in voter sentiment has led to direct action within the U.S. Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and other Republican senators have met with Fetterman to discuss a potential party switch, pledging to welcome him into the Republican conference. Such a move would alter the balance of power in the Senate and potentially change how federal resources and legislation are directed toward Pennsylvania’s 13 million residents. Fetterman has noted that his continued membership in the Democratic Party is tied to the party's official stance on Israel, stating he would leave if the party formally turns against the U.S. ally.
What happens next depends on Fetterman’s future legislative and party-alignment decisions. While Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has urged Fetterman to remain in the party, describing him as a valued member, Fetterman faces a potential primary challenge when he is up for reelection in 2028. The senator stated last month that his position could change if Democratic support for Israel erodes, though he currently maintains he has no plans to leave the party. No specific date for a decision on a party switch has been set.