On Monday, August 4th, 2026, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) publicly stated that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) should be removed from his leadership position. Moulton, who is currently challenging incumbent Sen. Ed Markey in the Massachusetts Senate race, reiterated his push to oust Schumer, who has led the Senate Democrats for nine years.

During a Monday night debate, when asked who should replace Schumer, Moulton responded, “It should not be Chuck Schumer.” However, he declined to name a successor, saying, “I’ve made a promise that until I get there, I won’t say who I have in mind,” referring to the outcome of the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts.

Moulton has expressed concerns about both Schumer and Markey, citing their age and establishment ties. He emphasized the need for fresh ideas and a new approach, stating, “This is not about being critical of age, it’s about the fact that we need new ideas, a new playbook, because a 50-year-old playbook is just not delivering for our country, for Massachusetts.”

The call for Schumer’s removal follows his controversial vote alongside Republicans to approve a stopgap measure to reopen the government after a record-long shutdown. Schumer had previously vowed there was “no f‑‑‑ing way” Democrats would cave on demands related to expired Affordable Care Act premium subsidies. After the vote, Moulton wrote, “Tonight is another example of why we need new leadership.”

Meanwhile, Markey, who did not endorse Schumer as party leader during the debate, continues to hold a polling advantage over Moulton despite the latter’s criticisms.

Sources