New York voters' perception of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has hit an all-time low, according to a recent poll. For decades, Schumer was known for his moderate stance and ability to work across party lines, but now, he is viewed unfavorably by nearly half of the state's voters.
The sharp decline in Schumer's favorability rating can be attributed to his handling of the recent government shutdown. Many Progressives who had previously praised Schumer for his stance against President Trump now feel that he did not do enough to fight against the shutdown. The criticism has been intensified by independent and Republican voters, adding another layer of pressure on Schumer.
Schumer's long-standing tradition of holding weekly press conferences and visiting all 62 counties in New York State each year have also seemed less relevant in recent times. In a sign of changing times, his Sunday press events, once highly publicized, are now less frequent.
Former congressman Anthony Weiner described Schumer as an "institutionalist" who is out of touch with the modern era's demands for change. He acknowledged that Schumer may bounce back if Democrats make significant gains in the next year's midterm elections, when Schumer will not be on the ballot again due to his 2028 term limit.
However, some progressive activists are more critical. They point out that Schumer's failure to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor suggests he is no longer aligned with the party's core values. Another activist said Schumer is accountable for his party's failure in the shutdown battle.
It remains to be seen if Schumer can recover from this low point, but one thing is clear: New Yorkers are holding him to a higher standard than ever before.
The sharp decline in Schumer's favorability rating can be attributed to his handling of the recent government shutdown. Many Progressives who had previously praised Schumer for his stance against President Trump now feel that he did not do enough to fight against the shutdown. The criticism has been intensified by independent and Republican voters, adding another layer of pressure on Schumer.
Schumer's long-standing tradition of holding weekly press conferences and visiting all 62 counties in New York State each year have also seemed less relevant in recent times. In a sign of changing times, his Sunday press events, once highly publicized, are now less frequent.
Former congressman Anthony Weiner described Schumer as an "institutionalist" who is out of touch with the modern era's demands for change. He acknowledged that Schumer may bounce back if Democrats make significant gains in the next year's midterm elections, when Schumer will not be on the ballot again due to his 2028 term limit.
However, some progressive activists are more critical. They point out that Schumer's failure to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor suggests he is no longer aligned with the party's core values. Another activist said Schumer is accountable for his party's failure in the shutdown battle.
It remains to be seen if Schumer can recover from this low point, but one thing is clear: New Yorkers are holding him to a higher standard than ever before.