Fetterman Faces Internal Party Backlash as Democrat Support Erodes at Home
Sen. John Fetterman is facing increasing discontent within his own party, as a new poll reveals that many Democrats in Pennsylvania—particularly in his hometown of Pittsburgh—are turning their backs on him.
Fetterman, a Democrat known for his unconventional style and shifting political tone, has recently leaned more toward centrist and even right-leaning positions, much to the frustration of his progressive base. According to Politico, this has led to a noticeable dip in his popularity among local Democrats.
“Forty-nine percent said they have an unfavorable impression of him, while 46 percent said they have a favorable impression, according to the survey. By way of comparison, the poll showed 82 percent view Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro favorably, versus 13 percent unfavorably,” the outlet reported.
Though conducted by a Democrat-aligned polling firm ahead of an upcoming mayoral primary, the survey is being viewed as a warning sign for Fetterman as speculation mounts over a possible primary challenge from within his party.
“In Pittsburgh, this is a break-glass, freak-out moment for Fetterman,” one Democrat strategist told Politico, speaking anonymously.
Much of the dissatisfaction stems from Fetterman’s unapologetic backing of Israel and his controversial meeting with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago before Inauguration Day—stances that have drawn sharp criticism from the far left.
Despite this poll, other recent surveys suggest Fetterman’s core supporters may still be standing by him. But questions about his physical and mental health continue to swirl, especially after a bombshell profile in New York Magazine’s Intelligencer raised red flags about his behavior and inner-office tensions.
The article, titled “All By Himself: John Fetterman insists he is in good health, but staffers past and present say they no longer recognize the man they once knew,” included troubling accounts from current and former aides. It highlights a string of concerning incidents following Fetterman’s stroke in May 2022, which occurred during his campaign against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz.
One episode described in the piece involves a February 2023 retreat at the Library of Congress, where a witness reported Fetterman sitting alone, quietly sipping a soda—appearing confused and disengaged. Another incident described a vehicle nearly hitting the senator as he wandered Capitol Hill.
Though some initially feared a second stroke, doctors later diagnosed him with severe dehydration. But even after treatment, his behavior raised eyebrows. During a meeting with then-Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Fetterman was described as nearly “catatonic.” On February 15, he was admitted to Walter Reed for observation.
Upon his return, Fetterman dove back into Senate work and began taking bold stances on high-stakes issues, particularly the war in Israel. But his growing independence has placed him at odds with progressive Democrats.
His public call for former Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to resign amid a corruption scandal was widely seen as Fetterman asserting his own agenda—one increasingly out of sync with the party’s left flank.
According to Intelligencer, “Former and current staffers paint a picture of an erratic senator who has become almost impossible to work for and whose mental health situation is more serious and complicated than previously reported.”
The publication also revealed an internal dispute over his support for Israel following the October 2023 Hamas attacks, which killed 1,300 people. Staff members reportedly penned a letter accusing him of a “gutting betrayal,” while his wife, Gisele, is said to have pressed him personally: “bombing refugee camps — how can you support this?”
Tensions between the senator and his wife reportedly escalated behind the scenes. Staffers were approached by Gisele with concerns about Fetterman’s well-being, according to the report. A Senate physician allegedly observed him acting “bizarrely” near the Capitol subway system in December 2023 and noted that the senator had not undergone necessary bloodwork for months.
There were even claims that Fetterman’s large frame posed a physical hazard, with reports suggesting he nearly knocked people over while walking through the Capitol—something that reportedly distressed his wife.
The article exploded on social media, drawing reactions across the political spectrum. Bloomberg columnist Matthew Yglesias commented, “a very sad story here on a human level, but of course, it’s also politics and can’t be addressed purely on that level.”
As Fetterman faces mounting criticism from his own base, the situation underscores a growing disconnect between Democrat leadership and the grassroots voters they claim to represent. With President Trump setting the national tone from the White House, Fetterman’s left-wing critics may soon find themselves out of step not just with the country—but with their own constituents.