Who will lead Congress? Democrats weigh Schumer alternatives, Jeffries bid
A number of contenders have emerged as challengers to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, including strong critics of the Iran war and US support to Israel.
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK — After Democrats flipped both chambers in the US midterm elections on Tuesday, attention is shifting to the party’s leadership, with questions mounting over who will take the helm in the Senate and House.
As of Friday, Democrats have secured 54 Senate seats, including two independents, compared with 44 for Republicans, with two races yet to be called. In the House, Democrats have won 253 seats to Republicans’ 161, with 21 races still outstanding.
A number of newly elected Democratic senators from Maine, Kansas, Michigan and Illinois have said they would not back New York Sen. Chuck Schumer as majority leader, with calls for new leadership growing following the massive Democratic victory. Maine senator-elect Troy Jackson said he told Schumer that he is “going to support somebody else,” while Kansas senator-elect Adam Hamilton and Illinois senator-elect Juliana Stratton have also said they would not support the New Yorker. Incoming Minnesota Sen. Peggy Flanagan and New Hampshire senator-elect Chris Pappas have both called for new leadership.
Moderates have voiced calls for change as well, with Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan telling journalist Stephen A. Smith in June that "the old models do not work for people" and that she wants new leadership in the party. Schumer has led the party in the chamber since 2017.
