Senate Democrats are preparing to choose their next leader as they take control of the chamber, and Chuck Schumer is still seen as the likely choice. But not everyone in the caucus is ready to support another term for the New York senator.
Schumer has led Senate Democrats since 2017, serving as both majority and minority leader. Some of the senators-elect joining the caucus this year, who range from moderates to progressives, have offered only lukewarm support. A few said during their campaigns that they would back someone else.
Adam Hamilton, a moderate pastor who defeated Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in Kansas, called for new leadership during his campaign. He said Democrats needed younger leaders and fresh ideas, and argued that Schumer had become a political liability in his state.
Hamilton also said voters were frustrated by political gridlock and wanted leaders who could bring Democrats and Republicans together to tackle problems.
Democrats are expected to hold their leadership elections later this year. Schumer will need support from a majority of the caucus to keep the job, though he may face a challenge from some of the new senators. The party held 54 seats as of Thursday, with races in Mississippi and Alaska still capable of adding to its total.
Schumer said Wednesday that he expected to be re-elected as majority leader. He argued that concerns about the party’s direction were not really about him, and said Democrats should focus on what Americans want.
Several incoming senators, including Troy Jackson of Maine, Julianna Stratton of Illinois, Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan and Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota, have not firmly backed Schumer. Jackson said shortly before Election Day that he had already told Schumer he planned to support another candidate.
One possible alternative is Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, whom some progressives have suggested as a replacement. Van Hollen has also said he is considering a possible presidential run in 2028.
A Democratic aide familiar with Van Hollen’s thinking said the caucus should have an open discussion about how to advance an agenda that reflects voters’ priorities. The aide added that the new majority should use its power to pursue an active economic agenda.
