Schumer reelected Senate Democratic leader as GOP prepares to take control

Washington — Senate Democrats reelected Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York as Democratic leader on Tuesday as the party prepares for the next two years in the minority. 

Schumer, who’s led Senate Democrats since 2017, was reelected in a caucus meeting behind closed doors Tuesday morning. He said in a statement that he is “honored and humbled to be chosen by my colleagues to continue leading Senate Democrats during this crucial period for our country.”

“Our caucus has led the way in passing historic legislation that has improved the lives of millions of Americans and we remain laser focused on addressing the most pressing challenges facing our country,” Schumer continued. “We have a lot of work ahead — in the Senate and as a country — and in this upcoming Congress, our caucus will continue to fight for what’s best for America’s working class. Senate Democrats are ready to get to work for you, the American people.”

After four years with a narrow Democratic majority in the chamber, the party is set to be in the minority beginning next month, with 47 seats to Republicans’ 53. Though Democrats warded off a handful of challenges and held onto key seats in the upper chamber in November’s election, they faced a particularly difficult map this cycle. Republicans flipped four seats, retaking the majority.

But the outcome of the election didn’t cause a shake-up in Democratic leadership, with the top posts remaining unchanged. In addition to Schumer, the caucus reelected Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois as the party’s whip, the second-highest role and one he has held for nearly two decades.

Senate Democrats also elevated Sen. Amy Klobuchar to the No. 3 post in Senate leadership, which opened up after Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s decision to retire after more than two decades in the chamber. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey was elected to the fourth-ranking post. 

The Senate leadership elections come as Democrats are locked in a lame-duck sprint to approve their priorities before Republicans take control of Washington next year. 

“We’re at the beginning of what will be a very busy December,” Schumer said on the Senate floor Monday. “There’s a lot the Senate has to do, both on the nominations and the legislative side, and not a lot of time to do them.”

The New York Democrat outlined that in addition to must-pass legislation like a resolution to fund the government, judicial confirmations remain a top priority. Senate Democrats have worked to confirm President Biden’s remaining nominees, as the party hopes to to meet or surpass Trump’s 234 judicial confirmations from his first term. Still, Republicans have worked to hold up and drag out the process, with just weeks to go in the minority.