Chuck Schumer (D-NY) remains the Senate Democratic leader, but inside his own party, some Democrats are quietly testing whether he could be replaced.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, that process has already begun behind the scenes, with lawmakers conducting informal vote counts to determine whether there is enough support to remove the New York Democrat from his leadership position.
“Some lawmakers had been doing informal counts to see whether enough votes existed to remove the New York Democrat from his leadership position.”
The concern is not limited to individual senators. Meetings among Democratic chiefs of staff have included discussions about how to pressure Schumer to step aside.
“Many said the concern about Schumer’s leadership was widespread… meetings between Democratic chiefs of staff… often veer into… how to pressure him to step aside.”
Senators, including Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Tina Smith (D-MN), have all been involved in discussions about Schumer’s leadership, with advisers exploring possible scenarios for a challenge and lawmakers comparing notes on internal support.
A group of progressive senators has also been coordinating more directly, maintaining a “Fight Club” chat where they have discussed how to counter Schumer’s preferred candidates and approach to key races.
The divide centers on disagreements over strategy, particularly disagreements about whether Schumer has favored more centrist candidates in competitive races while sidelining a newer group of challengers pushing for a more aggressive approach.
Some Democrats have gone further, describing Schumer as “a liability with their voters” and “an impediment to change.”
At least some Democrats and aides have also raised the possibility that Schumer should commit to stepping aside rather than seek reelection in 2028.
Read More: Democrats Continue to Slow-Walk Funding of DHS With Latest House, Senate Votes; Watch a Dem Run Away
Some of that frustration traces back to earlier disputes, including Schumer’s handling of a prolonged government shutdown and internal disagreements over negotiating strategy, which some Democrats said left members feeling boxed out of key decisions.
At a gathering of major Democratic donors and party leaders, donors pressed senators and aides for a plan to replace Schumer.
“Donors were asking for ‘a plan to replace Schumer’… with some calling it the ‘Chuck Chuck movement.’”
You don’t nickname something you expect to fade away.
Names are beginning to surface, with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) viewed by some as a possible successor and progressives discussing Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) as another option.
Schumer, for his part, has pushed back on the idea that his position is in jeopardy, insisting his support within the caucus remains “deep and strong” and emphasizing his focus on upcoming elections.
“That goes with the territory—it’s true for anyone who’s a leader.”
Lawmakers are counting votes. Staff members are discussing how to pressure him to step aside. Donors are asking for a plan to replace him.
He’s still in the chair.
They’ve already moved the meeting.
Editor’s Note: Do you enjoy RedState’s conservative reporting that takes on the radical left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.
Join RedState VIP and use the promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership!
Join the conversation as a VIP Member