Far-left Groups Mobilize Against Chuck Schumer Amid Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON — As the potential end of the government shutdown approaches, far-left organizations are ramping up efforts to challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Indivisible, a progressive activist network partly financed by George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, is urging its members to oppose Schumer (D-N.Y.) in his role as head of the Senate Democratic Conference.
“Chuck Schumer and many Senate Democrats have surrendered,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, reacting to recent developments. “During this six-week shutdown, Democrats experienced their best election night in over a decade.”
“Instead of building on that momentum, Senate Democrats gave in again, which is why we’re launching this unprecedented backup program,” Levin continued. “This is no longer just their issue; it’s ours now.”
Despite Schumer’s opposition to a bipartisan deal aimed at resolving the 42-day funding impasse, critics from the progressive camp contend he failed to unify seven Senate Democrats and one independent to effectively keep the government running.
A senior Democratic official dismissed Levin’s comments, suggesting the group had merely issued a “threat.” They argued that public sentiment does not align with Indivisible’s views, as voters simply want a functional government.
“Their brand is toxic, and Republicans are taking advantage of that,” the official told the Post.
Earlier this year, Indivisible had criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for his lack of action to safeguard Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, against prosecution from the Republican-led House after Green interrupted a speech by President Trump.
In the same timeframe, Schumer faced backlash after voting for a bill that allowed Republicans to push through a six-month spending bill, averting a shutdown.
Since 2017, Indivisible has received over $7.6 million from the Open Society Foundations, which has also called for Schumer to resign as the top Senate Democrat. This call could serve as a benchmark for which Senate candidates they choose to support.
No current senator has publicly called for Schumer’s resignation, though several Democrats running for Senate seats next year have voiced opposition to his continued leadership, including Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and Sen. Zach Walls of Iowa.
This situation mirrors past activist movements against former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the 2018 midterms, where Democrats regained control of the House by winning 41 seats.
“Our democracy is facing an existential crisis. We need leaders who are strong and principled, not cowardly or excuse-making,” Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, added. “Democrats can’t combat authoritarianism by merely avoiding confrontation. It’s our responsibility to ensure that those who can’t lead make way for those who can. Indivisible is prepared to make significant changes and cultivate a party with the energy to act as a true opposition.”
