Schumer Claims Democrats' 45% Senate Odds Rose on 2026 Candidate Strategy
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 12
Schumer Claims Democrats' 45% Senate Odds Rose on 2026 Candidate Strategy
2 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 12
Summary
45% — up from 20% at the start of 2025 — is how Sen. Tim Kaine now rates Democrats’ chances of retaking the Senate, reflecting a broader improvement Schumer says came from deliberate strategy.
Schumer pointed to recruiting high-profile candidates in Ohio, Alaska and North Carolina, fighting Republicans on safety-net cuts and shutdown issues, and intervening in primaries to shape a more electable map.
Iowa and Texas have expanded Democrats’ possible paths, he argued, even as Michigan shows the risks of that approach after Schumer publicly favored Haley Stevens and drew backlash from rival Mallory McMorrow.
March 2025 funding fights and a November shutdown reopening had fueled calls for Schumer to step aside, but allies now say he has adjusted to minority leadership even as polls on his standing remain weak.
Republicans still see the map in their favor, with John Thune saying the GOP can hold or even expand its majority as Democrats must sweep several Trump-won states while defending seats such as Georgia and Michigan.