In a striking display of discontent within the Democratic Party, Ezra Levin, co-founder of the liberal organization Indivisible, criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, stating, “He’s done a great deal of damage to the party.” This frustration has prompted Indivisible to organize an emergency call with its New York chapter and local leaders to evaluate whether the current Democratic leadership is adequately prepared for the challenges ahead.
The discontent towards Schumer is evident, as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries refrained from defending his fellow New Yorker. When questioned about the need for new leadership in the Senate, Jeffries simply stated, “Next question.” The rift deepened as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged senators to oppose Schumer’s stance, labeling the “false choice” some are accepting as “unacceptable.” Furthermore, dozens of House Democrats expressed their “strong opposition” to Schumer in a sharply worded letter, reminding him that the “American people sent Democrats to Congress to fight against Republican dysfunction and chaos.”
Despite some support for Schumer's leadership, many Senate Democrats avoided questions about his role. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) acknowledged the backlash but indicated that there was still more to unfold, saying, “We still have more to play out on this.” Similarly, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) deflected questions about Schumer, emphasizing her lack of confidence in former President Donald Trump instead. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) called for a critical review of the Senate Democrats’ approach to their recent challenges, stating, “Anytime you have a failure — and this is a failure altogether...”
Conversations about Schumer's leadership have begun among some Democratic senators, with a focus on the party's failure to devise and implement an effective plan. An anonymous senator revealed that there is significant concern over the lack of strategy and execution, noting, “It’s not like you couldn’t figure out that this is what was going to happen.”
The frustration towards Schumer extends beyond individual senators and resonates throughout various factions of the Democratic Party, including both moderates and progressives. While most Democratic insiders do not believe Schumer’s position is immediately at risk, his leadership style and direction have come under scrutiny. Schumer defended his vote to prevent a government shutdown as the best option, stating, “My job as leader is to lead the party, and if there’s going to be danger in the near future, to protect the party.” He expressed confidence in his decision, stating, “I have the overwhelming support of my caucus.”
However, a source close to Schumer indicated that his support for the recent bill provides political protection for those who voted against it, allowing them to avoid the repercussions of a government shutdown. Yet, even some of Schumer’s long-time allies are beginning to suggest that his time as leader may be coming to an end. A prominent New York donor noted, “Biden is gone. Pelosi is in the background. Schumer is the last one left from that older generation.”
Active discussions are taking place among liberal groups regarding how to hold Schumer accountable for his decisions. Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, stated that Schumer will likely face protests during his upcoming book tour, asserting, “He has to be made an example of to enforce Democratic backbone going forward.” The sentiment for accountability transcends the progressive wing, with moderate Democratic operative Charlotte Clymer noting, “I have not seen such uniting anger across the party in a long, long time.”
Following the advancement of the GOP bill, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar emphasized the need for more leaders aligned with the “stand and fight” ethos of the Democratic Party. The liberal organization Justice Democrats expressed their discontent with a stark message: “F*ck Chuck Schumer.” Additionally, protests organized by the Sunrise Movement resulted in demonstrators demanding Schumer’s resignation, with signs that read: “Schumer: step up or step aside.”
Despite the growing backlash, some Democratic senators have publicly supported Schumer. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) dismissed speculation about running for Schumer’s position, stating, “I’m doing my job today.” Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who is retiring, referred to Schumer as “a good leader,” while Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) reiterated his confidence in Schumer’s leadership.
Others acknowledged the complexities of Schumer’s position, as he sought to navigate a challenging political landscape without the same majoritarian advantages some of his colleagues enjoy in the House. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) reflected on the difficulties of leadership, stating, “It’s tough to be the leader.”
