Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces a crisis of confidence as polls show his support among Democrats has plummeted to historic lows, with growing calls for his replacement within his own party.
At a Glance
- A Gallup poll shows only 39% of Democrats trust congressional leaders on economic issues, down from 80% in April 2024
- Schumer’s favorability among New York Democrats has dropped 21 points from 73% to 52% since December 2024
- 53% of New Yorkers believe Schumer should be replaced by another Democrat according to a Marist poll
- Schumer’s approval has fallen after supporting a Republican-led funding bill, creating internal party tensions
- CNN analyst Harry Enten called the numbers the lowest in Gallup polling history, saying “sirens should be going off”
Historic Polling Collapse
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s standing among his own party has deteriorated to unprecedented levels, according to multiple polling sources. A recent Gallup poll revealed that just 39% of Democrats now trust congressional leaders, including Schumer, to handle economic issues effectively.
This represents a staggering drop from April 2024, when that figure stood at 80%, indicating a collapse in confidence among the Democratic base over a relatively short period. The decline has been so dramatic that it caught the attention of CNN’s polling expert, who described the numbers as alarming.
Even in New York, Schumer’s home state where he has traditionally enjoyed robust support, the numbers tell a troubling story. A Siena College poll indicates his favorability among New York Democrats has plummeted from 73% to 52% since December 2024. This 21-point drop represents the most significant decline in Schumer’s polling history in the state. More concerning for the Senate leader, only half of New York Democrats believe he should continue in his leadership role, suggesting growing dissatisfaction with his performance.
Calls for New Leadership
The situation has deteriorated further according to a comprehensive Marist poll that surveyed 1,204 New York state adults. The results revealed that 53% of New Yorkers believe Schumer should be replaced by another Democrat in his leadership position, while just 45% think he should remain. Even among Democrats, who typically rally behind their leaders, there is a near-even split, with approximately half supporting Schumer’s continuation and 48% favoring new leadership.
Schumer’s job performance ratings have also suffered significantly. Just 34% of New York state voters now rate his job performance as good or excellent, while 36% rate it as poor. This marks a substantial decline from 2021, when his approval rating stood at 41%, with 15% rating his performance as excellent and 26% as good. Political analysts suggest these numbers could potentially invite primary challenges or internal leadership contests in the future.
The Source of Discontent
Much of the backlash against Schumer stems from his decision to support a Republican-sponsored funding measure, which has ignited an internal party revolt. This move has been viewed by many within his party as a tactical error, leading to growing tensions among Democratic lawmakers. Reports indicate some Democratic representatives are actively considering moves against Schumer’s leadership, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with his recent policy decisions and negotiating strategy.
Adding to Schumer’s challenges, a Soros-backed organization has reportedly targeted him, further complicating his political position. While Schumer’s allies argue he is navigating a difficult political environment as the Senate minority leader, the polling numbers suggest his approach has alienated significant portions of his base. With half of his own state’s voters and nearly half of fellow Democrats questioning his leadership, Schumer faces a precarious political future and mounting pressure to address these concerns or potentially step aside.
