Chuck Schumer Faces Growing Discontent Among Democrats
Chuck Schumer is navigating one of the most tumultuous periods of his tenure as Senate minority leader. For the second consecutive day, he has been the target of intense criticism from fellow Democrats who are outraged by his support for a Republican-backed measure aimed at preventing a government shutdown. The repercussions of this decision are expected to resonate well beyond Friday’s vote.
A small group of House members, particularly those representing competitive districts, are contemplating a primary challenge against Schumer. Activists are organizing financial repercussions, and there are rising doubts within his own caucus regarding his strategic approach to this high-stakes situation. Interviews with six lawmakers or their aides reveal a growing belief that he has mishandled the complex politics surrounding the impending shutdown, failing to provide a coherent plan. Some Senate Democrats are even privately questioning his suitability to continue as their leader.
“He’s done significant damage to the party,” lamented Ezra Levin, co-founder of the liberal group Indivisible. The organization has scheduled an emergency call for Saturday with its New York chapter and other local leaders to evaluate whether the current Democratic leadership is capable of addressing the challenges at hand.
In a striking display of the depth of discontent, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to support Schumer, sidestepping a question on Senate leadership by saying, “Next question.” Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) went so far as to advocate for a vote against Schumer’s position, criticizing the “false choice” that some are embracing instead of engaging in a proper fight. Additionally, dozens of House Democrats sent a sharply worded letter expressing their “strong opposition” to his stance, emphasizing that voters expect Democrats to combat Republican chaos rather than capitulate to it.
While several senators voiced their support for Schumer, many Democrats carefully dodged inquiries about his leadership role. “We still have more to play out on this,” noted Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) when questioned about the potential impact of the backlash on Schumer’s position. “So I’m not really thinking about the big-picture politics.”
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) deflected similarly, stating, “The leader I don’t have confidence in is Donald Trump.” Meanwhile, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) called for a “good post-mortem” on the Democrats’ approach to the government funding standoff, asserting that any failure — and this certainly qualifies — necessitates reflection on how they arrived at this juncture.
Behind closed doors, some members of the Senate are beginning to entertain discussions about Schumer’s future as their leader. One senator, who requested anonymity to share insights from private conversations, revealed, “There’s considerable concern regarding the failure to devise and implement a strategic plan. It’s not as if this outcome was unforeseen.”
This dissatisfaction with Schumer mirrors a simmering frustration among Democrats, who believe their party lacks a coherent strategy for countering Trump in his potential second term. Although few within the party anticipate an immediate threat to Schumer’s position — he isn’t up for reelection until 2028 — the discontent spans the entire spectrum of the party, from moderates to progressives, both in Washington and beyond.
Schumer has defended his vote to keep the government operational as the best of two undesirable options, aimed at preventing Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk from gaining undue influence over government functions. Nine Democratic senators and one independent aligned with Democrats supported him in advancing the bill, effectively averting a shutdown.
“A government shutdown hands Trump, Musk, and DOGE near-total authority over which services to maintain, as they can determine what qualifies as essential,” Schumer stated in a CNN interview. “My responsibility as leader is to guide the party, and when faced with imminent danger, to safeguard it. I stand by my decision, even if it breeds dissent. That’s the nature of leadership.”
He further asserted that he has the “overwhelming support of my caucus,” referencing the gratitude expressed by many members who viewed his actions as courageous. A close associate of Schumer characterized the senator and others who backed the bill as providing political cover for their colleagues who opposed it, saying, “Those voting for the [continuing resolution] are allowing everyone else to take the politically safe route without facing the consequences of a shutdown.”
Nevertheless, even some of Schumer’s staunch allies are beginning to ponder the possibility that his moment may have passed. “Biden is fading, Pelosi is receding into the background, and Schumer remains the last figure from that older generation,” remarked a New York-based donor who has long supported Schumer. “I worry that the older leadership thinks the 2024 election will revolve solely around inflation, but the landscape has shifted. It’s not merely a question of left versus moderate; now everyone is declaring — the game has fundamentally changed. But Schumer was prepared to fight in 2006, and we are far removed from that era.”
Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, indicated that “active conversations” are underway among liberal circles regarding how to hold Schumer accountable. He foresees protests at Schumer’s events next week as he promotes his new book, “Antisemitism In America: A Warning,” suggesting that the movement to ensure accountability will extend beyond that.
“He needs to be made an example of to reinforce a Democratic backbone moving forward,” he asserted. And the discontent is not limited to progressives.
“I haven’t witnessed such widespread anger across the party in a long time,” stated Charlotte Clymer, a Democratic operative associated with the moderate wing. She has initiated a petition urging a halt to donations to Senate Democrats until they compel Schumer to step down as minority leader. “Sen. Schumer has managed to unify us far more than Trump has in recent months.”
Following the advancement of the GOP bill on Friday, Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Greg Casar issued a statement declaring, “We need more leaders from the stand and fight wing of the Democratic Party.” MoveOn cautioned that its members will be demanding answers from their elected representatives concerning the vote, while the progressive organization Justice Democrats sent a text to supporters with a clear message: “F*ck Chuck Schumer.”
On the same day, a group of protesters organized by the Sunrise Movement gathered outside Schumer’s office in the Hart Senate building, brandishing signs that read: “Schumer: step up or step aside,” and urging him to reconsider his endorsement of the bill. Eleven individuals were arrested during the demonstration.
“We must confront the reality that young people, working-class individuals, and people of color — the backbone of the Democratic Party — are drifting away from us,” asserted Stevie O’Hanlon, the organization’s political director. “Chuck Schumer is part of that problem.”
Despite the overwhelming discontent, some Democratic senators publicly affirmed their support for Schumer on Friday. When asked if she was being encouraged to run for Schumer’s position, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) replied, “No, no,” adding, “I’m focused on my responsibilities today.” Meanwhile, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who is retiring after this term, described Schumer as “a good leader,” and Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) expressed continued confidence in Schumer’s role.
Others acknowledged the challenging circumstances Schumer faced as he attempted to navigate his caucus through a complicated situation lacking the straightforward majority support that Jeffries enjoyed in the House. “It’s tough to be the leader,” remarked Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.).
With reporting by Emily Ngo and Hailey Fuchs.
