Democrats-facing internal pressure to replace Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer grew as Booker urged ‘new leadership’ and a younger generation to take the helm, highlighting widening calls for change within the party.

Sen. Cory Booker, speaking with Fox News and during a NH stop, argued for fresh leadership and signaled his own higher national ambitions while focusing on his 2026 New Jersey re-election.

Rep. Ro Khanna echoed the demand for new leadership, indicating dissatisfaction with Schumer’s direction and aligning with a broader push from progressives and moderates alike.

Within New Hampshire, Democratic senators including Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan backed the shutdown deal, underscoring mixed views inside the party as it navigates governance challenges.

Tensions persisted between House and Senate leaders over strategy on policy issues such as health care and foreign policy, reflecting broader factional strain within the party.

President Trump criticized Schumer as having been ‘broke’ during the shutdown, while Kaine defended the eight-senator decision and public support among constituents appeared positive for him.

Booker’s NH appearances at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics framed him as a potential future president, even as he emphasizes his immediate focus on the 2026 campaign in New Jersey.

Despite some backing for Schumer within the party, notable leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Nancy Pelosi publicly defended him, stressing unity and stability.

Dissent spanned moderates and progressives alike, including Khanna, Rashida Tlaib, and others, signaling broad dissatisfaction with current leadership.

The debate over leadership occurs amid ongoing Democratic dissatisfaction with governance and positioning ahead of future elections.

Khanna criticized Schumer as lacking boldness and moral clarity on major issues, while acknowledging past legislative achievements and noting Schumer’s disconnect with grassroots sentiment.

Eight Senate Democrats, breaking with Republicans to reopen the government, intensified scrutiny of Schumer’s leadership and fueled internal calls for change.