DSA Target Schumer, Jeffries as Democratic Leadership Revolt Grows

The Democratic Socialists of America is launching a campaign against the Democratic Party’s top two leaders in Congress, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The group has thrown its support behind efforts to deny Schumer another term as leader. “We do support a challenge to New York Senator Chuck Schumer as Senate Majority Leader,” the DSA told Newsweek. “Senator Schumer has consistently failed to deliver for the working class.”

The DSA is running a letter-writing campaign urging senators to replace Schumer. The letters attack him for his “support from pro-Israel donors,” his “ties to corporate interests” and his “refusal to back abolishing ICE,” and accuse him of going along with “Republican spending bills when Democrats had leverage.”

The push comes after Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced Thursday that he will challenge Schumer. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Michigan Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed have backed Van Hollen. At least six incoming Democratic senators have called for new leadership or said they will not back Schumer.

Senate Democrats will choose their leader by secret ballot on Dec. 1. Van Hollen says he has the support of more than 10 senators, while Schumer insists he has the votes to win.

The DSA also vowed to “continue to run socialist candidates for all levels of local, state, and federal office.” It is already making gains. Six DSA-backed members will join the House in January, bringing the number of DSA-affiliated lawmakers to eight, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib.

One DSA member, Ahmed Moor, has announced a 2028 primary challenge against Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman.

Most Americans are not buying what the socialists are selling. An Economist/YouGov poll in October found 51 percent of Americans think capitalism is better, compared with 20 percent for socialism.