‘He's in bigger trouble’: David Axelrod warns Chuck Schumer’s role is at risk after shutdown deal

WASHINGTON, DC: CNN analyst and former Obama adviser David Axelrod warned that Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is facing growing trouble within his party.

Axelrod said Schumer is in “bigger trouble” with Democrats than ever during his appearance on 'Anderson Cooper 360' on Monday, November 10.

He also predicted the party could choose a new Senate leader after the 2026 midterm elections. His comments came after several Senate Democrats voted on Sunday, November 9, to advance a Republican bill to fund and reopen the federal government.

David Axelrod warns Chuck Schumer’s leadership may be at risk

Anderson Cooper asked Axelrod, “Do you think Schumer could be in trouble here with the left flank of the party?”

Axelrod replied, “I think he’s been in trouble. I think he is in bigger trouble now. I honestly, I think Senator Schumer’s been there since 1982." He added, "My guess is that he won’t be leader of the party in 2027 after this election unless something really surprising happens.”

Axelrod then discussed last week’s elections in New Jersey, New York, and Virginia, where Democrats won big. “And I think one of the problems Republicans have to consider now is Democrats did do a very good job of shining a bright light on this Affordable Care Act issue and the general issue of health care costs,” he said.

Axelrod continued, “And now Republicans were steadfast in opposing a solution to it. Maybe they’ll change their mind. But this is a heavy burden for them to carry into the midterm elections.”

He added that in March, Schumer agreed to move a Republican funding bill forward without getting any concessions.

Democrats call for new leadership amid shutdown deal

Several Democrats took to social media to demand that Chuck Schumer step down. Although Schumer voted against a bipartisan deal to end the longest government shutdown in US history, he faced criticism after members of his own party broke ranks and supported the measure.

Rep Ro Khanna shared on X, “Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced. If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?”

Rep Seth Moulton questioned, "Tonight is another example of why we need new leadership. If @ChuckSchumer were an effective leader, he would have united his caucus to vote ‘No’ tonight and hold the line on healthcare. Maybe now @EdMarkey will finally join me in pledging not to vote for Schumer [as conference leader after the 2026 elections]?”

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate added, "Chuck Schumer is not built for this moment."

Sen Zach Wahls declared, "Chuck Schumer has failed us."