A new Quinnipiac University poll offers a revealing snapshot of Pennsylvania’s political landscape, showing strong support for Gov. Josh Shapiro ahead of 2026 while underscoring deep partisan tensions surrounding U.S. Sen. John Fetterman.
Among 836 registered voters surveyed Feb. 19-23, Shapiro leads Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, 55% to 37%, as he positions himself for reelection. The Democratic governor holds a 56% job approval rating statewide.
The poll also tested Shapiro’s potential national appeal. Forty percent of voters said he would make a good president, while 43% disagreed and 16% were undecided. Democrats overwhelmingly view him as presidential material, and a plurality of independents agree, but most Republicans do not.
The survey, released Wednesday, comes as Pennsylvania remains a key battleground ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Fetterman’s numbers were among the most striking findings. The Democratic senator, who has frequently broken with his party and aligned with Republicans on select issues, faces sharp disapproval from Democrats in his home state. Sixty-two percent of Democratic voters disapprove of his job performance, compared with just 22% who approve.
That disapproval rate among Democrats is higher than that of his Republican colleague, Sen. Dave McCormick, who registers a 54% disapproval rate with Democrats.
In contrast, Fetterman enjoys strong backing from Republicans. Seventy-three percent of GOP voters approve of his performance, with only 18% disapproving. Among independents, 48% approve, and 37% disapprove. The cross-party support has fueled speculation about a possible party switch or a primary challenge, though Fetterman has denied interest in changing parties.
The poll also measured attitudes toward the 2026 midterms. Forty-nine percent of registered voters said they want Democrats to win control of the U.S. House, compared with 43% who prefer Republicans to maintain their majority.
President Donald Trump, who carried Pennsylvania two years ago, posts a 40% approval rating in the survey, with 55% disapproving. Voters expressed pessimism about the economy, with 47% saying conditions are worsening and just 28% seeing improvement.
On immigration, 56% of respondents said the administration’s enforcement approach is too harsh, while 36% believe it is being handled appropriately and 6% consider it too lenient.
Democrats hope dissatisfaction with Trump and economic concerns could help them compete in key swing districts held by Republican U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry.
Source: Phila Inquirer