Pennsylvania Republicans like Sen. John Fetterman, a moderate Democrat, more than they back the state’s GOP senator, Dave McCormick, according to a new poll.
Mr. Fetterman is so popular with Pennsylvania Republicans, he’s liked by 79% of party respondents versus just by 20% of Pennsylvania Democrats, according to a survey released Tuesday by The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer and Siena University.
Over two-thirds of self-proclaimed Democrats hold an unfavorable view of him, while only 17% of Republicans have adverse feelings about him.
Mr. Fetterman’s overall favorability among all Pennsylvania voters is 46%, down slightly down from 48% in 2024.
As for the state’s other senator, 66% of Republicans approve of Mr. McCormick and just 10% disapprove. Democrats who favor him make up 18% compared with 49% who don’t.
Mr. Fetterman has held steady against speculation that he may jump ship and join the Republican Party, rejecting rumors that he plans to leave the Democrats.
He did, however, form a joint fundraising committee with Mr. McCormick to pool campaign donations to support both senators via a single contribution, which drew attention and sparked rumors.
Mr. Fetterman has stated he will “never” change his party affiliation, adding in a May op-ed that he would be a “terrible Republican” because he still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.
The first-term senator has broken with the more liberal wing of his party by strongly supporting Israel and backing certain border and immigration enforcement measures.
He has criticized his party for “anti-Israel sentiment,” especially positioning himself as a staunch supporter of Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre by Hamas.
About half of Pennsylvania Democrats contend that their senator has been too supportive of Israel, while 74% of Republicans say he’s “about right” in backing the Jewish state, according to the poll.
Two-thirds of Democrats believe Mr. Fetterman supports President Trump too much, while 36% of independents say the same.
While the Democratic senator has not said whether he will run for a second term in 2028, the survey findings show that getting back in left-leaning voters’ good graces may be a tall order.
The Washington Times has reached out to Mr. Fetterman’s office for comment.
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