Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) found himself under intense scrutiny amid questions about whether he was strong enough to counter a more assertive second Trump administration. While the spotlight has since faded a bit, the angst is being felt in the Democrats’ 2026 primary elections.
Whether Schumer should continue in his role as the Senate’s top Democrat after breaking with most in his party over last month’s government funding standoff is emerging as a key issue in Democratic primary contests. Some frustrated Democrats want new leadership and bolder opposition to the Republican agenda.