Schumer ‘confident’ he’ll lead US Senate Democrats again, despite criticism

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer said Tuesday he’s “confident” he will be reelected as Democratic leader for the next Congress, despite opposition from prominent members who argue he isn’t up to the task. 

While no one has publicly announced they will challenge Schumer, who has led Senate Democrats since 2017, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen hasn’t ruled out the possibility. 

“What I’ve said is that we should not have a coronation,” Van Hollen said. “We should not support anybody for leader without a very clear plan. And as you know, there are many people who think a change is required.”

Van Hollen said he was “actively listening” to other Democrats, but said he wasn’t inclined to make any announcements at this time. 

Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats, said at a press conference they don’t support Schumer as leader.

“I think whoever wants to run this caucus should come forward with a plan on how they’re going to govern differently, what they’re going to do in the first 100 days to put money in people’s pockets and then in particular how they’re going to communicate differently,” Slotkin said, adding she did not intend to challenge Schumer. 

She said leadership must “govern for the entirety of the caucus — for folks from blue states, purple states and red states.”  

Sanders said he was firmly opposed to Schumer. Slotkin said she is a no vote until she sees “a concrete plan that is definitely different.” 

Senate Democrats will have at least 54 seats next year after winning seats in Iowa, Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas, all of which are now held by a Republican. 

Democratic candidates also appear on track to win election in Alaska and Mississippi, though that could change as final votes are counted in the days ahead. 

Schumer declined to directly answer a question about whether he has spoken to Van Hollen since he began mulling a challenge. 

“Chris Van Hollen and I are friends,” he said. “We talk frequently and we’re united, united in lowering costs, united in ending this damn war” in Iran. 

But Schumer said he was “confident” he would be reelected when Senate Democrats gather behind closed doors this year to choose their leadership.