Republicans Embrace Pro-Israel Democratic Senator John Fetterman Amid Shifting Support

A new New York Times poll reveals a significant shift in the political support base of Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, known for his strong pro-Israel stance. Currently, 73% of Republican voters view Fetterman positively, a dramatic increase from just 20% two years ago. In contrast, only 22% of Democratic voters support him, down from 74% previously. Among independents, 49% express support for the senator.

This reversal means that Republicans in Pennsylvania now support Fetterman more than their own party’s Senator David McCormick, who holds 63% approval among Republican voters. The poll attributes this shift largely to Fetterman’s extensive backing of Israel, which has become a point of contention within his own party. Nearly half of Democratic voters believe Fetterman supports Israel excessively, with criticism peaking among Democrats under 30, where 57% feel his support is too strong.

Despite the changes in party support, Fetterman’s overall approval rating remains stable at 46%, similar to the 48% recorded in a May 2024 poll. His strongest support continues to come from independent voters, where his approval has increased by 3% over two years. The poll highlights the political cost Fetterman faces within his party due to his pro-Israel position, contrasting with the relatively lower criticism of Pennsylvania’s Jewish pro-Israel Governor Josh Shapiro, who is seen as over-supportive by only 15% of voters.

The findings underscore a notable realignment in Fetterman’s political backing, reflecting broader divisions within the Democratic Party over U.S. policy toward Israel and signaling potential challenges for Fetterman in maintaining his Democratic base while gaining cross-party appeal.