Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman is in the crosshairs of his own party, as progressive factions prepare to challenge him in the 2028 primary over his rogue voting habits, as Newsweek reports.

The heart of this political storm is Fetterman’s defiance of Democratic Party norms, especially his critical vote for a Republican-backed budget bill, which has infuriated groups like the Pennsylvania Working Families Party, now seeking a rival for the primary set for next year.

This tension started brewing with a grueling 43-day government shutdown that furloughed federal workers, canceled thousands of flights, and disrupted public services across the board.

Fetterman’s Vote Ignites Party Fury

During the shutdown, Fetterman aligned with seven other Democrats and all Senate Republicans to pass a funding bill that reopened the government.

However, that bill failed to renew Affordable Care Act subsidies, set to expire by year’s end, a decision critics argue will strip healthcare from countless Pennsylvanians.

As the deciding vote, Fetterman has become the lightning rod for progressive anger, with many feeling he has abandoned the working-class principles he once championed.

Progressive Pushback Gains Momentum

The Pennsylvania Working Families Party vented on X, declaring, “We're primarying John Fetterman. Last week, Fetterman once again sold out working Pennsylvanians,” claiming his vote will “strip healthcare from over 400,000 Pennsylvanians."

While their outrage over healthcare cuts holds weight, it’s worth noting that Fetterman’s choice likely stemmed from a desire to end the shutdown’s chaos -- pragmatism isn’t always popular, but it can be practical.

Undeterred, the party is scouring for a candidate to oppose him in 2028, though no one has officially stepped forward yet.

Fetterman Stands Firm on Decisions

Fetterman hasn’t backed down, openly criticizing fellow Democrats for prolonging the shutdown by insisting on ACA subsidies in the funding package.

In a video amid the crisis, he vowed to side with Republicans again if it meant preventing another government standstill, a position that’s rattled his party’s base.

He doubled down in an October Fox News interview, stating, “If you want a Democrat that’s going to call people Nazis or fascists...I’m not going to be that guy."

Polls Reflect Divided Opinions

That blunt style might explain why a recent Quinnipiac University poll shows Fetterman’s support among Pennsylvania Democrats cratering to just one-third favorable, with 54% disapproving -- a stark drop from last year’s 80% approval.

Conversely, Pennsylvania Republicans are increasingly fond of him, with 62% approving, suggesting that bucking party lines resonates with conservatives weary of endless partisan bickering.

Whether this split will cost Fetterman his seat remains to be seen, but it’s clear his willingness to break ranks -- on this budget vote, Trump nominee endorsements, and even foreign policy stances -- has redefined his political identity in ways that both intrigue and infuriate, depending on one's perspective.