A September 2026 Wall Street Journal report alleging limited engagement with Senate duties, constituents, and hearings triggered public calls for resignation from some Pennsylvania Democrats, including former Rep. Conor Lamb, while amplifying speculation about a potential party switch. Fetterman has repeatedly rejected both options, insisting he remains a Democrat who votes overwhelmingly with the caucus and has no plans to join Republicans, though he has deferred decisions on his 2028 reelection until after the November midterms. His favorability has dropped sharply among Democratic voters in the state, with some party figures eyeing primary challenges, yet Senate colleagues have largely avoided joining the criticism amid efforts to flip chamber control. His term runs through January 2029, with no confirmed timeline for departure.