Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman may be headed for a tough Democratic primary in 2028, as frustration builds among some party activists over his growing willingness to side against the Democratic mainstream.
The Pennsylvania Working Families Party said on X that it plans to challenge Fetterman in the next cycle, arguing that his recent votes have harmed working-class residents in the state. The group pledged to recruit a candidate to run against him, though it has not announced anyone yet.
“We’re primarying John Fetterman. Last week, Fetterman once again sold out working Pennsylvanians. He was the deciding vote for a Republican budget bill that will strip healthcare from over 400,000 Pennsylvanians. We deserve real working class leadership in the U.S. Senate,” the post said.
Representatives for Fetterman were contacted by email for comment.
Why It Matters
A serious primary effort would spotlight widening divisions within the Democratic Party, especially the pull between progressive priorities and party unity. Fetterman’s high-profile breaks from Democratic positions—particularly on major votes tied to healthcare and government funding—have made him a target for groups that want a more consistently progressive senator representing Pennsylvania.
If a challenger emerges with institutional or grassroots backing, the race could become a referendum on Fetterman’s independence and on how much room Democratic voters are willing to give incumbents who often diverge from party leadership.
What To Know
Earlier this month, Fetterman joined seven other Democrats and all Republicans to advance a funding measure that brought an end to the 43-day government shutdown. The bill did not include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, meaning those subsidies are set to expire at year’s end.
He has repeatedly blamed Democrats for the shutdown, saying the standoff was driven by their refusal to back a bill without ACA subsidies. During the shutdown—which led to widespread furloughs, canceled flights, and disrupted public services—Fetterman said publicly that he would vote with Republicans again to prevent another closure.
Beyond the budget fight, his outspoken support for Israel and several votes in favor of Trump nominees have further irritated parts of the Democratic base.
In an October interview with Fox News, Fetterman said he wouldn’t adopt the kind of rhetoric some voters expect from Democrats. “If you want a Democrat that’s going to call people Nazis or fascists or all these kinds of things…I’m not going to be that guy,” he said.
Polling suggests the backlash may be catching up to him inside his own party. An October Quinnipiac University survey found his standing among Pennsylvania Democrats falling sharply: 54 percent rated his job performance negatively, while about one-third viewed it positively. A year earlier, the same poll showed roughly 80 percent approval and only 10 percent disapproval among Democrats.
At the same time, his image among Republicans has improved. The poll found 62 percent of Republican respondents approving of his performance, compared with 21 percent who disapproved.
What Happens Next
Fetterman is up for reelection on November 7, 2028. If the Working Families Party follows through and finds a credible challenger, Pennsylvania could become one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries of that cycle.
