Progressive Democrats and members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are mounting a campaign to block Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer from taking control of congressional leadership following the Democrats’ sweeping midterm victories.
Hundreds of DSA members and allied activists took to the streets of Manhattan on November 7, demanding new leadership and criticizing what they consider the party’s establishment and corporate influence. Protesters argue that Democrats need leaders willing to fight more aggressively for progressive policies.
An online Change.org petition calling on House Democrats not to elect Jeffries as Speaker of the House surpassed one million signatures by November 9th.
Schumer is also facing opposition. Separate petitions demanding that Senate Democrats choose a new majority leader collected more than 100,000 verified signatures shortly after launching.
Several incoming Democratic senators have also indicated they will not support Schumer.
Critics of both leaders point to their ties to corporate donors and disagreements over the party’s direction.
Despite the growing grassroots opposition, both New Yorkers remain strong contenders for their respective leadership positions, with leadership votes expected before the new Congress convenes in January 2027.
