Now, after two years of crossing swords with Democrats and backing some of President Trump's priorities, he's nowhere on the stump.
No Democrat in the state wants to be seen with him. His approval ratings are better with Republicans — far better — than they are with Democrats. And a shadow primary of sorts is taking shape for Fetterman’s Senate seat in 2028, even if he runs again.
Fetterman has acknowledged his isolation in the party as he maintains staunch support of Israel's war in Gaza and criticizes left-wing candidates who are members of the Democratic Socialists of America. He's often gone his own way in the Senate, voting repeatedly with Republicans to end the shutdown last year while supporting multiple Trump nominations and opposing efforts to end the war in Iran.
Still, Fetterman has repeatedly said that he wouldn't switch parties because of his support for labor unions, LGBT rights and other issues held dear by the left.
“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.
