Record Low Popularity for Schumer
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer is experiencing unprecedented unpopularity among Democratic leaders, according to CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten.
The New York senator recorded a minus-four popularity rating within his party in September, as reported by Mr. Enten during an appearance on “CNN News Central,” referencing data from Pew Research Center and FiveThirtyEight.
A significant portion of Americans surveyed expressed unfavorable opinions about Mr. Schumer, with nearly half indicating negative views, according to Pew Research.
Mr. Enten noted that Schumer is now the least popular Democratic Senate leader since polling began in 1985.
“He’s underwater with Democrats, his own party,” Mr. Enten remarked, attributing this sentiment to a desire among Democrats for more assertive leadership.
When asked about possible challengers for his Senate seat, Mr. Enten mentioned that while Schumer is viewed more favorably by New York Democrats compared to others, he may face significant competition from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez if she decides to run in 2028.
The Pew Research survey was conducted prior to the recent government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history—which is anticipated to conclude this week.
Polling indicates that nearly 70% of Democrats believe their congressional representatives are not doing enough to oppose President Trump. Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in disapproval ratings towards the party’s congressional leadership among Democrats over recent decades.
The September survey revealed that almost 40% of Democrats view Mr. Schumer negatively. As eight Senate Democrats reached an agreement to end the government shutdown, some members are advocating for his removal from leadership.
Despite publicly opposing the shutdown, Schumer maintained unity within the Democratic caucus for a month before rank-and-file members opted to resolve the situation and secure a vote on extending enhanced Obamacare subsidies set to expire at year-end.
