Chuck Schumer's Last Stand
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's strategy of backing centrist, electable Democrats in key primaries is faltering as progressive candidates gain traction with voters disillusioned by Washington leadership. In Maine, Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign after losing support to progressive Graham Platner, who is now leading in polls despite controversial past statements. The outcomes in Maine, Iowa, and Michigan signal a broader challenge to Schumer's influence and the Democratic Party's direction ahead of the midterms.
- ▪Governor Janet Mills, backed by Chuck Schumer, suspended her Senate campaign in Maine due to lack of financial support and declining voter enthusiasm.
- ▪Graham Platner, Mills' progressive opponent, leads in both the Democratic primary and general election polls despite past controversial online comments.
- ▪Platner is endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, while Schumer's preferred candidates in Iowa and Michigan are facing strong progressive challengers with growing momentum.
- ▪In Iowa, Zach Wahls is challenging Schumer-backed Josh Turek and has tied him in polls while criticizing establishment interference.
- ▪Michigan Representative Haley Stevens, an ally of Schumer, is in a tight three-way race against progressive state Senator Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El-Sayed.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Jesus MesaPolitics ReporterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has long prided himself on a singular skill—picking winners. His recruitment coups in North Carolina, Alaska and Ohio this cycle were hailed as masterstrokes.But in a series of high-stakes primaries unfolding across Maine, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota, his once-formidable machinery is colliding headlong with a Democratic base increasingly hostile to Washington leadership and increasingly indifferent to electability calculations.The result is a consequential test not just of Schumer's political judgment, but of whether Democrats can win the Senate in this year's…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Newsweek.
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