Petitions to replace Schumer as Senate Democratic leader top 100,000 signatures in a day

Two petitions urging Senate Democrats to replace Chuck Schumer as leader passed 100,000 signatures within a day, following the party’s midterm wins that flipped both chambers. Incoming senators including Annie Andrews and Peggy Flanagan have called for new leadership, while Schumer insisted he would be reelected, saying “The issue is not me.” A separate petition against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ bid for Speaker has gathered more than 762,000 signatures.

Two petitions urging Senate Democrats to choose a new leader instead of Chuck Schumer have passed 100,000 signatures a day after launch, Newsweek reports.

The petitions, created Wednesday, follow sweeping midterm victories in which Democrats flipped the House and Senate. One, titled “Senate Democrats: CHOOSE A NEW MAJORITY LEADER,” had 43,446 verified signatures. It says “Democratic leadership should represent Democratic voters, not just the Democratic establishment.” The second, “Replace Chuck Schumer as Senate Majority Leader,” had 75,402 signatures and accuses him of folding “when it matters.”

Asked about newly elected senators who say they will not back him, Schumer said: “The issue is not me. I’ll be reelected as majority leader. But the issue is focusing on the American people and what they want.”

Annie Andrews of South Carolina called for “a generational change on both sides of the aisle,” while Minnesota’s Peggy Flanagan said: “I think it’s time for new leadership.” Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed did not commit to Schumer and said he would back Chris Van Hollen should he run.

A separate petition against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ bid for Speaker had 762,343 signatures. Actor Mark Ruffalo shared it on X.