1. Why is John Fetterman facing a primary challenge?

The Pennsylvania Working Families Party announced plans to recruit a candidate to challenge Fetterman in 2028. They argue he has “sold out working Pennsylvanians” by supporting a Republican-led budget bill that they say strips healthcare from over 400,000 residents. Critics cite his frequent breaks with Democratic priorities as justification for a primary.

2. What was the controversial vote that sparked this?

 Fetterman broke with the majority of his party to support a funding measure that ended a 43-day government shutdown. While the bill reopened federal agencies, it excluded the extension of vital ACA subsidies, a key demand for Democrats. Fetterman defended his vote by stating he refused to "hold our government hostage" or gamble with food stamps (SNAP benefits), arguing that the "mass chaos" of the shutdown had to end. 

3. How has his standing changed with voters?

 Fetterman’s approval ratings have undergone a dramatic reversal. A Quinnipiac University poll from October found that 54% of Pennsylvania Democrats now disapprove of his job performance, a sharp drop from the 80% approval he enjoyed last year. Conversely, his standing among Republicans has surged, with 62% approving of his work, highlighting his shift from a progressive favorite to a polarized figure within his own party.