After Dem Defections, Ro Khanna Openly Demands Chuck Schumer Be Removed From Leadership

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has called for Senate Democrats to remove Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) as their leader, saying he has failed to keep his caucus united during the ongoing government shutdown.

Khanna, a progressive representing Silicon Valley, made the demand after eight Senate Democrats voted on November 9 to begin reopening the federal government through a funding bill that excludes the renewal of enhanced health insurance subsidies.

“Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced. If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?” Khanna posted on X.

The congressman’s comments was a public challenge to Schumer’s leadership from within his own party. Khanna accused the Senate leader of failing to stand firm on core Democratic priorities, particularly affordable healthcare, a central issue for progressives.

His remarks came as frustration grows among the party’s progressives, which believes Schumer has not done enough to protect working families during the shutdown. Progressive Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) echoed that criticism, pointing to Schumer’s lack of support for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, as another sign of detachment from the party’s progressive base.

Schumer, alongside House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), has led negotiations and messaging throughout the 41-day shutdown. But with more senators breaking ranks, Khanna argues that Schumer’s inability to hold the caucus together shows it is time for new leadership.

Other progressive activists have also rallied behind Khanna’s stance. MeidasTouch founder Ron Filipkowski wrote that if Schumer “can’t run the team, then someone else needs to.”