Schumer faces discontent from Democrats running for the Senate

Dissatisfaction is emerging with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) among Democrats running for Senate seats in this year’s elections.

The question of backing Schumer as Democratic leader has become a new litmus test, with several candidates — even in purple and red states — pushing for a changing of the guard.

“I’ve already said that I will not support Chuck Schumer as leader in the Senate, and I’m the only person on this stage that has said so,” Illinois Senate Democratic nominee Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) said during a January debate before her primary victory earlier this month.

Though Schumer is unlikely to face any real threat to his leadership post after November, the discontent has spotlighted the party’s lingering battle over its direction and generational change.