Fetterman draws more Republican than Democratic support after GOP convention appearance, poll finds

Sen. John Fetterman is more popular with Pennsylvania Republicans than with Democrats, a new Quinnipiac University poll shows.

The Hill reported that the poll found 72% of Republicans view him favorably and 19% unfavorably. Among Democrats, 13% are favorable and 69% unfavorable.

Republicans: 72% favorable, 19% unfavorable
Democrats: 13% favorable, 69% unfavorable
Independents: 27% favorable, 49% unfavorable
All likely voters: 37% favorable, 46% unfavorable

Fetterman even outpolled Republican Sen. Dave McCormick among GOP voters. McCormick was favorable with 67% of Republicans and unfavorable with 13%. The survey ran Oct. 1 to 5 among 1,159 likely voters, with a 3.9-point margin of error. Independents also leaned negative, a sign that his standing has split sharply along party lines.

The numbers follow Fetterman’s virtual appearance at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas in September, where he introduced McCormick and called him a “great friend.” Democratic colleagues were frustrated, and The Hill noted that his departures from the party, together with the convention appearance, have led many to question his party loyalty. Fetterman has voted with Democrats 90% of the time but has split from the party on several high-profile votes, including helping Republicans block a Senate war powers resolution. He also voted with Republicans against cutting aid to Israel, and said earlier he would leave the Democratic Party if it turned its back on the country entirely.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and a number of other Republican senators have said they would welcome him to the GOP. Fetterman has repeatedly said he will not become a Republican, and that he remains a lifelong Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with his party. In mid-September he said that if he ever turned Republican he would be a liar, adding that his name is not on the ballot this year. He said that should the Senate flip in November, he will still be the 51st vote he ran on.

His seat is not up until 2028, and he has told reporters to wait until after the midterms.