A growing number of Democrats are pushing for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, despite the fact that he won't be up for re-election until 2028.
Critics of Schumer point fingers at his alleged inability to stop a group of centrist Democrats from backing down in the government shutdown standoff. The move has left many feeling disillusioned with the party's leadership, and some are turning their attention to Ocasio-Cortez as a potential savior.
"Someone needs to shake things up," said one Democratic donor. "She's the future, he's the past." Another strategist, Anthony Coley, echoed this sentiment, saying Schumer had lost control of his caucus. He praised Ocasio-Cortez for her ability to connect with people and energize the base.
Schumer's approval rating has hit an all-time low, standing at 39% among New Yorkers, according to a recent poll. Nearly half of respondents disapproved of his handling of the Senate Democrats. Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez has seen her popularity soar, campaigning alongside Bernie Sanders and advocating for New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamduni.
For some, it's clear that Schumer's time in the Senate is coming to an end. "It's been admirable and successful, but it's done," said Susan Del Percio, a political strategist based in New York. Ocasio-Cortez, she believes, would easily take him down in a primary.
The calls for change are not just coming from the party base, either. Even some of Schumer's allies are beginning to question his leadership abilities. The fact that he was willing to give up on the shutdown fight has left many feeling frustrated and disenfranchised.
As Schumer looks out at his colleagues across the aisle, he may be in for a rude awakening. Ocasio-Cortez is not just a popular congressman - she's also seen as a force to be reckoned with within the party. And if anyone can challenge Schumer, it might just be her.
Critics of Schumer point fingers at his alleged inability to stop a group of centrist Democrats from backing down in the government shutdown standoff. The move has left many feeling disillusioned with the party's leadership, and some are turning their attention to Ocasio-Cortez as a potential savior.
"Someone needs to shake things up," said one Democratic donor. "She's the future, he's the past." Another strategist, Anthony Coley, echoed this sentiment, saying Schumer had lost control of his caucus. He praised Ocasio-Cortez for her ability to connect with people and energize the base.
Schumer's approval rating has hit an all-time low, standing at 39% among New Yorkers, according to a recent poll. Nearly half of respondents disapproved of his handling of the Senate Democrats. Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez has seen her popularity soar, campaigning alongside Bernie Sanders and advocating for New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamduni.
For some, it's clear that Schumer's time in the Senate is coming to an end. "It's been admirable and successful, but it's done," said Susan Del Percio, a political strategist based in New York. Ocasio-Cortez, she believes, would easily take him down in a primary.
The calls for change are not just coming from the party base, either. Even some of Schumer's allies are beginning to question his leadership abilities. The fact that he was willing to give up on the shutdown fight has left many feeling frustrated and disenfranchised.
As Schumer looks out at his colleagues across the aisle, he may be in for a rude awakening. Ocasio-Cortez is not just a popular congressman - she's also seen as a force to be reckoned with within the party. And if anyone can challenge Schumer, it might just be her.