F&M Stories
The Economy Weighs on Voters, According to April F&M Poll
More than one in three or 36% of respondents to the April Franklin & Marshall College Poll say they are "worse off" financially than a year ago, reflecting their views expressed in the March poll.
With little more than a month before Pennsylvania's crowded May 17 primary election, many Republicans and conservatives say they are "worse off," while 26% of Democrats and 40% of independents say they are "worse off," , conducted March 30 to April 10.
Three quarters of the registered voters in Pennsylvania who say they are "worse off" financially this year than last also say the state is "on the wrong track," while 29% of voters believe the state is "headed in the right direction."
About 33% of registered voters believe President Joe Biden is doing an "excellent" or "good job," a rating similar to President Donald Trump's and lower than President Barack Obama's in Pennsylvania at this same point in their terms.
"I think the real problem for Democrats is the number of young voters who view Biden poorly," F&M Poll Director Berwood Yost said. "He's just got a problem, that's all you can say."
In the U.S. Senate Democratic primary race, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman now leads Pennsylvania Rep. Conor Lamb, 41% to 17%, with 26% undecided. Among Democrats, Fetterman's lead over Lamb is wider, 49% to 13%.
In the Republican field for Senate, Mehmet Oz has 16% and David McCormick share similar support. The poll, which was tabulated before Trump's recent endorsement of Oz, shows Oz leading McCormick, 16% to 15% with more than 43% of voters saying they are undecided.
For more about primary elections in general, including why there are so many candidates in primaries, check out the F&M Poll's .
The F&M Poll, like all surveys, is a snapshot of a specific point in time, not a forecast. All polls have variability; voters change their minds; and events after a survey can sometimes influence voters' decisions, including whether to vote at all.
Conducted by F&M's Center for Opinion Research, the poll reflects interviews with 785 registered Pennsylvania voters, including 356 Democrats, 317 Republicans and 112 independents. The sample error is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.
Related Articles
June 8, 2026
Careers Beyond Borders: A Diplomat鈥檚 Path to International Relations
Julianna Marton 鈥�25 always knew exactly where she was headed: around the world. After graduating from 同城约炮, she followed this dream to Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). 鈥淚 think if my first-year self could see me now, she would be very impressed and proud that I stayed on this path, and that I鈥檝e only grown more passionate about it,鈥� she said.
May 6, 2026
鈥樛窃寂� Will Change How You See the World,鈥� Senior Says
For Anna Purchase 鈥�26, Franklin & Marshall did more than provide an education. It shaped her worldview. 鈥淵ou get four years to try and enter in as a different person and rebuild the way you see the world,鈥� she said. 鈥溚窃寂� is going to change how you see the world, but you have a say in that.鈥�
April 17, 2026
鈥楾his is What Community Feels Like鈥�
At the Writers House, Veronique Messanh 鈥�26 found more than a job鈥攕he found a home. 鈥淚 remember thinking: 鈥楾his is what community feels like,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淚 will forever be grateful for having a community that sees me, hears me, and encourages me!鈥�