John Fetterman’s Net Approval Dropped By More Than 100 Points Since His Election In Pennsylvania
A headline-grabbing “100-point” collapse in John Fetterman’s net approval is based on a narrow slice of partisan polling and is being used to frame a single committee vote as proof he’s politically finished.
Mar 23, 2026
Sources
Summary
Latin Times reports that Sen. John Fetterman’s net approval among Pennsylvania Democrats has fallen by over 100 points since his election and ties that narrative to backlash over a DHS nomination vote. The piece amplifies dramatic language about “no historical analog” without clearly stating the underlying poll comparisons, timeframe, or what “net approval” refers to. This matters because selective polling and a viral intra-party fight can be mistaken for a settled verdict on an elected official’s standing with the broader electorate.
Reality Check
The “100+ point” figure is not a statewide approval rating collapse; it’s a comparison of *net favorability among Pennsylvania Democrats* between two points in time (reported as about +68 in 2023 vs -40 in 2026). (realclearpolitics.com)
Also, the DHS episode described is a committee-stage vote that advanced Markwayne Mullin’s nomination; the nomination then went to the full Senate and was later confirmed, so the committee vote was a flashpoint in a larger confirmation process, not the whole outcome. (abcnews.com)
Detail
The article claims Sen. John Fetterman’s approval has dropped “by more than 100 points” since his election, citing CNN data analyst Harry Enten’s commentary about his current net approval among Pennsylvania Democrats. (latintimes.com)
Enten’s cited comparison (as reported elsewhere) describes a swing from roughly +68 in 2023 to about -40 in 2026 among Pennsylvania Democrats (a net change of about 108 points). (realclearpolitics.com)
The piece links the backlash to Fetterman’s vote in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to be DHS secretary, which passed 8–7 with Fetterman as the lone Democratic “yes.” (latintimes.com)
Multiple reports describe Rand Paul voting “no” in committee even as the nomination advanced. (abcnews.com)
The article highlights Rep. Brendan Boyle’s criticism (“Trump’s favorite Democrat…He needs to go”) and notes chatter about potential primary challengers. (latintimes.com)
After the committee vote, the nomination moved to the full Senate and was later confirmed (so the committee drama was not the final decision point). (abcnews.com)
The story includes Fetterman’s stated rationale that he approached the nomination with an open mind and emphasized a working relationship with Mullin and “our nation’s security.” (latintimes.com)