Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) ignited a firestorm within the Democratic party this morning, appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press to issue a stunning call for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to step down, citing a list of grievances that he claims have left the leader “out of touch with the grass roots.”
In an interview with moderator Kristen Welker, Rep. Khanna—a prominent voice on the progressive wing of the party—asserted that Schumer is no longer the right face for the Democratic Party’s future.
“The question is what is the future of Democratic leadership,” Khanna stated. “Who is going to be effective? And most Democrats around the country just don’t think that person is Chuck Schumer.”
Khanna did not mince words when detailing his critique of the long-serving leader. “He doesn’t inspire confidence. He’s not bold,” Khanna declared, adding that Schumer is “someone who cheer-led us into the war in Iraq.”
The California Congressman pointed to several recent issues as the ‘final straw,’ including the perception that Schumer has lacked conviction on key foreign and domestic policy fronts. “He doesn’t have the moral clarity on Gaza,” Khanna said. “He couldn’t say [Congressman] Mamdani’s name. And this was the final straw where he was not strong on fighting for health care.”
Welker challenged Khanna, noting that other Democrats, including Senators Tim Kaine and Jeanne Shaheen, have rushed to Schumer’s defense, arguing that the focus should be on the current Republican control of the White House and both chambers of Congress.
Senator Shaheen, as quoted by Welker, stated that Democrats “need to train their fire on the people who are responsible. That’s President Donald Trump, it’s Speaker Johnson, and it’s the Republicans who have blocked every attempt to get health care.”
Khanna acknowledged Schumer’s effectiveness during President Biden’s administration, working on bipartisan measures. “Senator Kaine said that Senator Schumer was terrific under President Biden. And he was. I worked with him on the CHIPS and Science Act. That would not have passed if it weren’t for Senator Schumer’s leadership. Same with the infrastructure bill and IRA.”
However, Khanna quickly pivoted back to the core issue of future leadership. “The question is what is the future of Democratic leadership,” he reiterated. “I just said out loud what people are thinking in their own private thoughts.”
When pressed by Welker to name a successor, Khanna was hesitant to formally endorse a candidate but offered a list of “dynamic young, new leaders” he believes represents the party’s future.
“Chris Murphy is a top leader. Cory Booker is a dynamic leader. Brian Schatz is a dynamic leader. I mean, Elizabeth Warren is someone whose ideology I appreciate,” Khanna listed, emphasizing the breadth of talent in the party.
Khanna wrapped his argument by asserting that the necessity for a change in leadership is a matter of common sense.
“Do you think Democrats around the country think that Chuck Schumer should be the face of the future of the Democratic Party? Of course not,” he concluded, calling for Democrats to “be more independent and truth-telling in this country and bold and not rest on niceties.”
READ: Louisiana Sen. Cassidy Floats Trump-Backed Health Plan: Direct Payments To Americans
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
