Senator John Fetterman Faces 33-Point Decline in Democratic Approval Amid Party Deviations

Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has experienced a significant 33-point decline in his net approval rating among Democratic voters since late 2024, reflecting a growing "base revolt" against his increasingly independent political stances. This shift has led to observations about his political viability, with commentator Corey Walker stating in a recent tweet, > "I like Fetterman. His constant criticism of his own party and his defense of Trump plays well on social media but not in real life. He needs to switch gears if he wants to survive politically."

A key area of divergence for Fetterman is immigration, where he has openly criticized his own party's approach. He has voiced strong support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling any calls to abolish the agency "inappropriate and outrageous." Fetterman also stated that the Democratic Party "bungled the border issue" under President Biden, describing the influx of migrants as "unacceptable" and a "national security issue."

Beyond immigration, Fetterman has broken with progressive elements of his party on issues such as his unwavering support for Israel. He has also condemned recent protests, including those in Los Angeles, describing them as "anarchy" and asserting that his party "loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement." His co-sponsorship of the Laken Riley Act, a Republican-led immigration enforcement bill, further highlights his alignment with conservative positions.

This distinct political positioning has led to a notable drop in his popularity within his own party, as indicated by Morning Consult's latest quarterly approval rankings. Despite this, Fetterman has maintained that he is "not a progressive" but a Democrat committed to core party values like choice, while also emphasizing the need to address critical issues like immigration effectively. His maverick approach has garnered praise from some Republicans, while raising questions about his long-term standing within the Democratic Party.