John Fetterman has become so toxic Democrats don’t want him on the campaign trail: report

John Fetterman was one of the most sought-after surrogates on the campaign trail, traveling across Pennsylvania to rally voters for Democrats in local, state, and federal contests. Now, after two years of repeatedly clashing with fellow Democrats and supporting key priorities of President Donald Trump, he is completely absent from the stump. No Democratic candidate in the state wants to appear alongside him.

His approval ratings are now substantially higher among Republicans than among Democrats. Meanwhile, a shadow primary is taking form for his Senate seat in 2028, regardless of whether he chooses to run for reelection. Fetterman has acknowledged his growing isolation within the party, driven by his steadfast support for Israel’s war in Gaza and his public criticism of left-wing candidates associated with the Democratic Socialists of America.

On Capitol Hill, he has repeatedly charted his own course, siding with Republicans to end last year’s government shutdown, backing several of Trump’s nominations, and opposing measures aimed at ending the war in Iran. Even so, Fetterman maintains he has no intention of switching party affiliation, citing his commitment to labor unions, LGBT rights, and other core progressive causes. "I’m not going to be a Republican, but I’m going to be a Democrat that’s going to have a conversation with whoever is playing it straight," Fetterman told Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Requests for comment sent to Fetterman’s office and his political adviser were not returned. Democratic candidates across Pennsylvania report no desire to involve the senator in their campaigns this year, and Fetterman has remained silent regarding any plans to hit the trail. "I absolutely think that Fetterman would bring us more harm than good," said Lori McFarland, the Democratic Party chair in Lehigh County, where Democrats are aiming to flip a competitive congressional seat and a state Senate seat.

"Nobody’s asked to see him, nobody’s requested his presence, and people, quite honestly, they’re mad at him and they don’t want anything to do with him. The local feel here is they feel betrayed by him." Polling highlights the dramatic realignment. A New York Times survey from August revealed that only about 2 in 10 registered Democrats in Pennsylvania view Fetterman favorably—a steep decline from 2024, when 74% held a positive view.

Conversely, 73% of Republican voters in the state now view him favorably, up from 25% two years ago. A July Quinnipiac poll similarly found that most Republicans approve of his job performance, while most Democrats disapprove. Cindy Durian, a Democrat planning to vote in May’s primary in suburban Harrisburg, said she would never support Fetterman again.