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1h ago

Pennsylvania Democrats Quietly Prep 2028 Primary Challenge to Fetterman

The maneuvering reflects party unease with his Trump-friendly breaks from orthodoxy despite his solid statewide approval.

President Donald Trump waits to greet Argentina's President Javier Milei, as he arrives at the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Senator John Fetterman speaking to reporters in the Senate Subway in 2025.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 08: U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) walks to vote at the U.S. Capitol on October 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. The government remains shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding deal last week. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Photo illustration: Maura Kearns/Axios. Photo: Nathan Howard/Getty Images.

Overview

  • Axios reported that top Pennsylvania Democrats are organizing toward a potential 2028 primary against Sen. John Fetterman, with no candidates formally declared.
  • Party insiders named Rep. Brendan Boyle, Rep. Chris Deluzio, and former Rep. Conor Lamb as possible contenders based on early positioning and public critiques.
  • Boyle has labeled Fetterman “Trump’s favorite Democrat” and accused him of a Mar-a-Lago visit to “kiss the ring,” while Deluzio has built a Rust Belt populist profile and Lamb has drawn progressive praise for attacks on Fetterman.
  • Fetterman dismissed the report in texts saying “Enjoy your clickbait!” and “Please do not contact,” later sharing an analysis claiming he voted with President Trump about 6% of the time versus roughly 14% for Boyle.
  • A September Quinnipiac poll showed rising disapproval of Fetterman among Pennsylvania Democrats even as his overall statewide approval remains positive, and he has rejected speculation about leaving the Democratic Party.