Story perspectives

Poll Shows 22% Democrats Back Fetterman Amid Resign Calls

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 4:53 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) faced calls to resign after a Wall Street Journal report and a GOP convention video.
Fetterman broke from Democratic positions on about 20 % of 2025 votes, the highest defection rate among Senate Democrats.
A NYT/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena poll showed 22 % of Democratic voters favor Fetterman versus 73 % of Republican voters.

History

Historical Context

In May 2011 Republican Senator John Ensign resigned after a 22-month Senate Ethics Committee investigation into an extramarital affair and alleged lobbying violations; the committee, chaired by Barbara Boxer, said the evidence could have justified expulsion. His departure, filled by Dean Heller, was part of a 2011 wave of Senate resignations that underscored growing ethical scrutiny.

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Story summary

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) faced calls to resign after a Wall Street Journal report and a GOP convention video.
Fetterman broke from Democratic positions on about 20 % of 2025 votes, the highest defection rate among Senate Democrats.
A NYT/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena poll showed 22 % of Democratic voters favor Fetterman versus 73 % of Republican voters.

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