On Monday, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) expressed the need for a change in Democratic leadership, particularly criticizing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) amid frustration over his support for ending the government shutdown.
During an appearance on “The Don Lemon Show,” Khanna highlighted the recent election success, referring to it as “good news” and noting the emergence of a “new generation of leaders.” Still, he expressed disappointment with the current party leadership, describing it as “daunting.”
“This is a tone-deaf group that doesn’t quite grasp the political climate we’re dealing with,” he remarked.
Khanna pointed out new party figures like New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, and Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, suggesting they represent a fresh direction for the party.
He mentioned a prior conversation about possibly removing Schumer, where he was referred to as a “backbencher.” Khanna countered that those in the back need to take a stand. “The party requires a shift in leadership,” he asserted.
On social media, Khanna indicated that if Schumer is unable to maintain unity in the face of a government funding bill that lacks expanded health insurance subsidies, he shouldn’t lead the Senate Democrats.
Scrutiny of Schumer intensified after eight moderate Democrats broke ranks to support a resolution aimed at reopening the government. The Democrats emphasized the necessity of extending health insurance subsidies, set to expire at year’s end.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) also weighed in, telling MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow that, much like Khanna, he feels the leadership is out of touch with the broader Democratic base and grassroots America.
“Chuck Schumer is part of the establishment,” Sanders noted, lamenting that many in the Democratic caucus fit that mold too. He pointed out that, among 47 members, only about eight or nine can be considered progressives. While he pointed out Schumer’s shortcomings, he questioned, “But who else would lead?”
Reflecting on the newly reached agreement between Senate Democrats and Republicans, Sanders described it as “a very bad night.”
