Chuck Schumer is vowing to keep his grip on Senate Democratic leadership as candidates seeking to join his caucus openly question whether he should remain in charge. Kansas nominee Adam Hamilton has already said he would vote against him. Other Democrats want a different leader or have withheld their support. Schumer intends to seek another term regardless of November’s election results.
The dispute is unfolding as Democrats campaign to regain the Senate majority after losing control in the 2024 election. Schumer, the 75-year-old New York senator, has led Senate Democrats since 2017. The caucus’s leadership elections typically take place in early December, after voters decide which candidates will join the chamber. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take back the majority.
Schumer announced his plans in an interview with Politico, saying, “I am running for re-election for leader.” He added: “Period.” In a separate September 30th interview with Semafor, he put Democrats’ chances of taking the chamber at roughly even odds. He identified Republican campaign money as a major obstacle and argued that Democrats could overcome that advantage with stronger candidates and a favorable political climate.
Michigan nominee Abdul El-Sayed has identified Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen as his preferred leader. Fox News reported Senate Majority PAC support for El-Sayed and Flanagan. El-Sayed’s primary victory followed Schumer’s support for Rep. Haley Stevens. Schumer subsequently endorsed El-Sayed and praised the energy of his campaign. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has also called for a progressive to lead Senate Democrats.
Hamilton, who is challenging Republican Senator Roger Marshall in Kansas, told CBS News’ Caitlin Huey-Burns that he would oppose Schumer for either majority or minority leader if elected. “We need new ideas, we need fresh leadership,” Hamilton said. In September, he told CNN that he wanted a younger Democratic leader capable of bringing members of both parties together to address problems.
The criticism has also reached sitting Democratic senators. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin discussed replacing party leaders during a June appearance on SiriusXM’s “Straight Shooter with Stephen A.” She criticized Democrats for pursuing too many priorities during the 2024 campaign and trying to satisfy everyone. Smith asked whether her call for new leadership applied to Democrats as well as President Donald Trump.
Slotkin answered affirmatively and said leadership changes were needed in the White House, House and Senate. Smith pressed further, naming House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Schumer and asking whether she meant they should be replaced. Slotkin turned to Smith’s sports background to describe leaders who fail to adjust to changed circumstances. “If people can’t understand that the game has fundamentally changed, and they can’t adapt, then they need to let others lead,” she said.
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Watch Slotkin’s exchange with Stephen A. Smith here:
Van Hollen addressed the prospect of a leadership bid when Semafor questioned him in August. He said his immediate priority was electing Democratic Senate candidates, followed by building a party that serves working people heading into 2028. He faced another question about whether he would seek the leadership position in late September. “Look, I am 100% focused on winning the midterms,” Van Hollen said. “Period. That’s all I’m focused on.”