U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s fundraising problems continue

U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) (left) waits for an elevator with staffers outside the Senate chambers during a Senate vote on February 20, 2025 in Washington. There’s an all-night voting marathon in the Senate, called a “vote-a-rama,” as Republicans look to pass the GOP budget resolution. (Photo: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s third-quarter fundraising is his lowest fundraising total in the three months since announced his candidacy for office in February 2021.

From the beginning of July to the end of September this year. Fetterman’s campaign raised just under $330,000 AND he spent just under $575,000.

This is the third straight quarter in which Fetterman’s campaign spent more than it raised. His campaign used $1.54 million and brought in $1.23 million this year. His campaign has raised $2.85 million in 2024, double his current 2025 total.

During Fetterman’s successful 2022 term, he has been an vigorous fundraiser, including: $73.9 million is on his way to flipping the blue open seat over Republican Mehmet Oz.

Although Fetterman won’t be on the ballot until 2028, Krzysztof Borykdirector of the Public Opinion Institute at Muhlenberg College, called his fundraising decline “entirely noteworthy.”

“It’s a sign of his precarious position among his party’s financial supporters, who may have many questions about his current political situation,” Borick said.

Freshman U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-SA) raised just over $890,000 from the beginning of July to the end of September, but it will not appear on the ballot until 2030.

Borick acknowledged that Fetterman has time to improve its fundraising efforts for a 2028 offering, but the latest numbers “indicate that it is in the middle of nowhere in terms of its financial support position,” and that could pose a challenge.

Fetterman was criticized by some Democratsincluding several in the state’s congressional delegationin connection with statements and votes he has cast in support of President Trump’s policies, including being the only Democrat to vote to confirm several his appointment to the cabinet, administration immigration law enforcementand support a The GOP plans to fund the government.

AND Quinnipiac University Poll released Oct. 1 showed Fetterman had an 8-point net job approval rating, an improvement over the January poll, which showed it had a 3-point net job approval rate. However, his net approval rating among Republicans is 41 points and his net disapproval rating among fellow Democrats is 21 points. Independents split 43% to 43%.

That was a significant change from the January poll, which showed Fetterman with a net approval rating of 70 among fellow Democrats and a net disapproval rating of 59 among Republicans.

Report from Axles earlier this month, it was noted that U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd District), Chris Deluzio (D-17th District) and former Congressman Conor Lamb were potentially considering a primary challenge to Fetterman in 2028.

“It’s no surprise that everyone is probably taking some time and effort to see the opportunities here, and one of them is thinking about what they’re going to need in finances and what they’re going to have in finances,” Borick said.

Boyle, who represents the unthreatening seat in Philadelphia, raised $610,000that’s the most of any Democrat serving in the state’s congressional delegation over the past three months. He entered October with $4.66 million at his disposal, more than any other official in his party in the state’s House delegation.

Deluzio, who represents a more moderate district in western Pennsylvania, it raised just over $415,000 in the third quarter and entered July with just over $685,000 in the bank.

And although Lamb hasn’t filed campaign finance reports since he was out of office, Borick said, “it’s clear that Conor Lamb has been out and about for the past year keeping his name and face in the spotlight of Pennsylvania politics.”

Fetterman entered October with $2 million at hand.

“He has always had a unique brand and that should not be underestimated,” Borick said. “His ability to connect with voters and find his own path.”

“But ultimately, if he can’t turn it around in an expensive state like Pennsylvania, it could significantly hurt his chances of seeking another term,” he added.