Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing intense criticism from progressive Democrats after five members of his caucus voted to end the government shutdown. Although Schumer opposed the bipartisan deal and voted against it, critics accuse him of failing to keep his caucus in line, or even secretly backing the agreement. Calls for new leadership have surged ahead of the 2026 elections.
Progressive Backlash Grows
Democrats across the spectrum expressed outrage at Schumer, claiming he failed to lead effectively. Rep. Seth Moulton said, “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.” Progressive Rep. Ro Khanna added, “Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced. If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing, what will you fight for?”
Accusations of Complicity
Several candidates and lawmakers suggested Schumer may have given tacit approval to the deal. Iowa Senate hopeful Zach Wahls accused him of voting “no” publicly while giving the compromise his “blessing” privately. Maine candidate Graham Platner warned, “Now we are on a path to watch 15 million Americans possibly lose access to health care insurance in the first place. This happened because Chuck Schumer failed in his job yet again.”
Calls for Resignation
Progressive organizations, Our Revolution, and Indivisible joined in demanding leadership change. Joseph Geevarghese of Our Revolution stated, “Chuck Schumer should step down as Senate Minority Leader immediately…Either way, he’s proven incapable of leading the fight to prevent health care premiums from skyrocketing for millions of Americans.” Indivisible described the deal as a “surrender” and urged a “cleansing primary season” to restore party backbone.
Democratic Senators Speak Out
Some 2026 Democratic Senate candidates criticized Schumer publicly. Mallory McMorrow said, “The old way of doing things is not working. We need new leaders in the Senate.” While not naming Schumer directly, their messaging signaled discontent with party leadership and strategy during the shutdown.
Schumer Responds on Senate Floor
Schumer addressed the vote, emphasizing the urgency of the healthcare crisis: “This healthcare crisis is so severe, so urgent, so devastating for families back home, that I cannot in good faith support this CR that fails to address the healthcare crisis. But let me be clear…this fight will and must continue.”
Senate-Approved Deal Details
The compromise, reached by a small group of Democratic senators with Republicans, guarantees a Senate vote on ACA subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to advancing the vote, leaving uncertainty over whether health coverage costs will be addressed.
Party Leadership Defends Schumer
Despite widespread criticism, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries defended Schumer on Tuesday, praising his “valiant fight” and confirming that he should remain Senate Democratic leader. Jeffries also vowed that House Democrats would continue to fight for healthcare protections.