Top Democrats in Pennsylvania are already maneuvering to challenge Sen. John Fetterman in a 2028 primary — a political civil war brewing in one of the most important battleground states in America.
Why It Matters
Fetterman was once the Democrats’ golden boy after flipping a Republican Senate seat in 2022. But now, even as voters in Pennsylvania continue to view him relatively favorably, many in his own party are turning on him for showing a softer tone toward President Donald Trump and rejecting the far-left orthodoxy of Washington Democrats.
The result: A full-blown Democratic power struggle years before the next Senate race.
The Democrats Lining Up Against Fetterman
Party insiders say several prominent Pennsylvania Democrats are preparing possible primary challenges or leaving the door open if Fetterman decides to retire:
1️⃣ Rep. Brendan Boyle — a Philadelphia liberal and loud Fetterman critic — has called him “Trump’s favorite Democrat” and accused him of visiting Trump at Mar-a-Lago to “kiss the ring.”
2️⃣ Rep. Chris Deluzio, a freshman from western Pennsylvania, is trying to craft a populist brand in the Rust Belt, holding rallies with Sen. Bernie Sanders and courting national progressive support.
3️⃣ Former Rep. Conor Lamb, who Fetterman defeated in the 2022 Democratic primary, has resurfaced with praise from left-wing figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) for repeatedly taking swipes at Fetterman.
When Axios reached out, Fetterman dismissed the story as “clickbait” and pointed to his actual voting record, showing he has sided with Trump just 6% of the time — less than Boyle, who aligned with the president nearly 14% of the time. “Actual numbers. Less clicks,” Fetterman said.
Behind the Scenes
Sources close to the senator say Fetterman has long harbored presidential ambitions, though he’s offered no clarity about whether he’ll seek reelection or run for higher office in 2028. Former aides suggest he’s grown weary of Washington’s political games and may not want to stay in the Senate.
Polls show his support slipping among Democrats — a recent Quinnipiac survey found a majority of Democratic voters in Pennsylvania disapprove of how he’s handling his job. That’s fueling speculation he might bow out or even consider switching parties (a rumor he’s repeatedly denied).
Democrats’ Infighting Spills Into Public
The feud is already turning nasty. Boyle has accused Fetterman of harming Democrats’ image by publicly criticizing the party. Deluzio shot back, saying he prefers working with the senior senator rather than “taking opportunistic shots” — a not-so-subtle dig at Boyle.
Lamb, meanwhile, stayed mum, saying he was “in the middle of a trial” but didn’t deny future political ambitions.
A Philadelphia-based strategist summed it up bluntly: “There’s a possibility of an opening in 2028, certainly, given the trajectory he’s on with Democrats.”
How GOP Could Benefit
For Republicans, the Democrats’ internal brawl is a gift. A drawn-out, bitter 2028 primary would drain resources, fracture the Democratic base, and push the party further left — all while Republicans focus on uniting around a single candidate. If Fetterman continues alienating the progressive wing and fighting off challengers, Pennsylvania Democrats could head into both the 2026 midterms and 2028 election cycle divided and demoralized.
Fetterman’s high-profile feuds also give the GOP fresh opportunities to court working-class voters in western Pennsylvania who once backed Trump — the same blue-collar bloc that helped Fetterman win in 2022 but now may be up for grabs.
The Bottom Line
Democrats’ biggest success story of 2022 has become a lightning rod within his own party. As Boyle, Deluzio, and Lamb sharpen their knives, Republicans are watching closely — and smiling — at the spectacle of Democrats turning on one of their own.
