Schumer’s Leadership Crisis and the AOC Rumor

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces a critical moment in March 2025, as detailed in The Bulwark’s "Chuck Schumer Is Facing a Biden Moment" by Lauren Egan. His support for a Republican funding bill, passed 54-46 on March 14 to avoid a shutdown, has angered Democrats who see it as a weak surrender to President Trump. Progressives, lawmakers, and groups like Indivisible have criticized Schumer’s leadership, echoing his 2024 push for Biden to step aside—now turned on him. This frustration has revived rumors that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) might challenge him for his New York Senate seat in 2028.

AOC, who called Schumer’s vote a “tremendous mistake,” has fueled speculation by mobilizing opposition. The rumor, dating to 2019-2021 and boosted by her 2018 upset of Joe Crowley, resurfaced as some House Democrats and X users urged her to run. While she’s dodged questions about a bid—telling CNN on March 13 she’s focused on party unity—her criticism highlights a progressive-establishment rift. Schumer, a senator since 1999 with strong wins (71% in 2016, 56% in 2022), remains formidable, and no firm evidence backs AOC’s intent. For now, his “Biden moment” and her potential challenge reflect Democratic tensions that could shape the party’s future.