‘We need new leadership’: Dems demand Chuck Schumer’s ouster after Senate advances shutdown deal

WASHINGTON, DC: Democrats are in turmoil after the Senate moved closer to reopening the government, with angry party members calling for Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down.

Schumer voted against a bipartisan deal to end the longest government shutdown in US history but faced backlash after several Democrats broke ranks and supported the measure. The vote advanced even though Republicans refused to extend Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. 

Democrats revolt as Chuck Schumer faces shutdown backlash

Rep Ro Khanna (D-California) blasted Sen Chuck Schumer on X, saying, “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 (D-Mass), who recently launched a primary challenge against Sen Ed Markey (D-Mass), also criticized Schumer on X. “Tonight is another example of why we need new leadership,” he wrote. “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]?”

Democratic candidates running to unseat Senate Republicans next year also voiced their frustration. “Chuck Schumer is not built for this moment,” wrote Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate hoping to challenge Sen Susan Collins (R-Maine).

Iowa state Sen Zach Wahls, who is running for the open seat vacated by Sen Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), agreed, saying, “Chuck Schumer has failed us.”

Five Senate Democrats, Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Jacky Rosen of Nevada, voted to end debate on a deal largely based on Republican terms introduced weeks earlier.

Notably, Sen Jeanne Shaheen’s daughter, Stefany Shaheen, who is running for the Democratic nomination in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, publicly rejected the deal her mother helped craft. “I cannot support this deal when Speaker Johnson refuses to even allow a vote to extend health care tax credits,” she wrote on X.

“We need to both end this shutdown and extend the ACA tax credits. Otherwise, no deal. It’s essential to ensure people have access to health care and it’s past time to put paychecks back into people’s pockets and food back on families’ tables."

Newsom, Kathy Hochul blast shutdown deal over healthcare fallout

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the outcome, writing, “Tonight’s Senate vote on the federal government shutdown should have been a time for strength. Instead we saw capitulation and a betrayal of working Americans. The American people need more from their leaders."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the bipartisan deal. “Ending the shutdown shouldn’t come at the expense of health care for tens of millions of Americans,” she said.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani joined in the criticism, saying, “This deal paves the way for painful premium hikes that will raise costs for New Yorkers. Count me out. It should be rejected, as should any politics willing to compromise on the basic needs of working people.”

The bipartisan agreement would keep the government funded through January 30, 2026, and extend funding for veterans’ programs, the military, and the Department of Agriculture through September 30, 2026. The Senate is expected to pass the measure as soon as Monday, and the House will likely follow later in the week, sending the bill to President Trump for approval.