Petitions to Replace Chuck Schumer Pass 100,000 Signatures Day After Launch
Two petitions calling for Senate Democrats to replace Chuck Schumer as majority leader have surpassed 100,000 signatures in one day.
Petitions to Replace Chuck Schumer Pass 100,000 Signatures Day After Launch
Two online petitions calling for Senate Democrats to replace Chuck Schumer as majority leader have surpassed 100,000 verified signatures in just one day. The petitions were created on Wednesday, immediately after a midterm election cycle that saw Democrats win majorities in both the House and the Senate. The surge reflects deep tensions within the Democratic Party over its next phase of leadership.
The first petition, titled "Senate Democrats: CHOOSE A NEW MAJORITY LEADER," gathered 43,446 verified signatures. Its creators argue that Democratic leadership should represent Democratic voters, not just the party establishment, and explicitly state that Schumer is not the right choice.
The second, more aggressive petition, titled "Replace Chuck Schumer as Senate Majority Leader," reached 75,402 verified signatures by Thursday evening. It criticizes Schumer for perceived weaknesses in previous legislative battles, claiming he "folds when it matters."
For more on the Democratic Party's internal tensions, read our coverage of the divide between progressives and the establishment.
New Senators Refuse to Back Schumer
The petitions highlight statements from several newly elected Democratic senators who are refusing to endorse Schumer. Maine Senator-elect Troy Jackson and Kansas Senator-elect Adam Hamilton have both announced they will not back Schumer, signaling a desire for a different ideological direction.
South Carolina Senator-elect Annie Andrews told Fox News host Bret Baier that it is time for generational change on both sides of the aisle. Minnesota Senator-elect Peggy Flanagan said on Wednesday that new leadership is required. Michigan Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed did not commit to supporting Schumer and indicated strong support for Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen if he decides to run for the position.
For more on the new senators, read our coverage of the progressive wave reshaping the Senate.
Criticism Focuses on Foreign Policy and Funding
Opposition to Schumer is also rooted in his voting record and financial ties. One petition points to Schumer's opposition to former President Barack Obama's Iran nuclear deal more than a decade ago. It also criticizes his reliance on pro-Israel lobby money, arguing that progressives focused on international law and human rights regarding Gaza and Israel cannot rely on his leadership.
Data from OpenSecrets, a political transparency organization, indicates that between 1990 and 2024, Schumer received $1,727,974 as a pro-Israel recipient.
For more on the role of money in politics, read our coverage of campaign finance and lobbying in 2026.
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A similar change.org petition calling for House Democrats not to back Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker had 762,343 verified signatures as of Thursday evening. It had been shared nearly 500,000 times and had over 15,000 comments. Actor Mark Ruffalo amplified the petition on his X account, urging supporters to sign it to secure a new speaker of the house.
The combined signature counts for both Senate and House petitions exceed one million, indicating a significant portion of the electorate is actively engaged in selecting their next congressional leaders.
For more on the Speaker race, read our coverage of Hakeem Jeffries and the fight for the Speaker's gavel.