As the US Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer faces mounting pressure from within his own party to step down. Critics argue that he was too willing to compromise with centrist Democrats, allowing them to gain the upper hand in a series of tense negotiations over the government shutdown.
The fallout has sparked calls from high-profile Democrats for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., to mount a primary challenge against Schumer in 2028. With Schumer's approval ratings at an all-time low, with just 39% of New Yorkers showing support, his critics say he is no longer fit to lead.
Ocasio-Cortez has been riding high in popularity, with her campaign taking on new momentum after teaming up with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Her natural charisma and ability to connect with voters have made her a darling of the Democratic base.
In a candid interview, one Democratic donor declared that Schumer was "the past," while Ocasio-Cortez represented the future. Other strategists echoed this sentiment, hailing Ocasio-Cortez as "fascinating" and "dynamic." Even Anthony Coley, a seasoned Senate campaign veteran, acknowledged that Schumer had "lost control of his caucus."
The timing couldn't be worse for Schumer, who has struggled to connect with voters amidst the shutdown. As one strategist put it, "it's been admirable and successful, but it's done." With Ocasio-Cortez poised to take on the challenge, many believe that the 21-year-old politician would have a significant advantage in a primary contest.
"We've got to get rid of him," another donor bluntly stated. "She beats him in a primary." While Schumer is still three years away from his next Senate election, it seems increasingly unlikely that he will be able to avoid a challenge – and Ocasio-Cortez is well-positioned to capitalize on the discontent.
The fallout has sparked calls from high-profile Democrats for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., to mount a primary challenge against Schumer in 2028. With Schumer's approval ratings at an all-time low, with just 39% of New Yorkers showing support, his critics say he is no longer fit to lead.
Ocasio-Cortez has been riding high in popularity, with her campaign taking on new momentum after teaming up with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Her natural charisma and ability to connect with voters have made her a darling of the Democratic base.
In a candid interview, one Democratic donor declared that Schumer was "the past," while Ocasio-Cortez represented the future. Other strategists echoed this sentiment, hailing Ocasio-Cortez as "fascinating" and "dynamic." Even Anthony Coley, a seasoned Senate campaign veteran, acknowledged that Schumer had "lost control of his caucus."
The timing couldn't be worse for Schumer, who has struggled to connect with voters amidst the shutdown. As one strategist put it, "it's been admirable and successful, but it's done." With Ocasio-Cortez poised to take on the challenge, many believe that the 21-year-old politician would have a significant advantage in a primary contest.
"We've got to get rid of him," another donor bluntly stated. "She beats him in a primary." While Schumer is still three years away from his next Senate election, it seems increasingly unlikely that he will be able to avoid a challenge – and Ocasio-Cortez is well-positioned to capitalize on the discontent.
I gotta say Chuck Schumer's been doin some shady moves lately 
He was always supposed to be the voice of reason but now he's just gettin played by those centrist Democrats 
And Ocasio-Cortez is like the total opposite, all fire and passion 
She's the future of the party, no doubt about it 
Schumer needs to step aside 'cause he's just not bringin the heat right now 
I gotta say, 39% approval rating? That's kinda low, but come on, Schumer's been leading the party for years, you'd think he'd have more wiggle room 
. I mean, Ocasio-Cortez might be popular among the base, but has she actually been in politics long enough to make a real difference? 
I'm not sold on this primary challenge just yet. It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out in 2028 
.
I can see why people want him out as leader. but on the other hand, Ocasio-Cortez seems super popular right now... 
it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out in 2028. Schumer should probably get his act together before then, or Ocasio-Cortez might just take him down 
It's like, chill out guys, let the man finish what he started. And what's with all this "we've got to get rid of him" talk? 
39% of New Yorkers don't trust him anymore. He's been getting roasted by his own party for being too centrist. Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez is killing it 
. She's got charisma and connection with voters on lock. I can already imagine a Senate map with Ocasio-Cortez as the leader 
. Schumer needs to step up his game or face the music. 
Ocasio-Cortez on the other hand is like a breath of fresh air - she's got this natural charm that gets people hyped 
and from what I've seen, she's actually doing some pretty cool stuff with her team-ups. Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani seem like solid allies for her, and honestly, it wouldn't be the end of the world if Schumer stepped down. In fact, maybe it's for the best? 