CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten says Chuck Schumer should be in full panic mode. On Thursday, Enten warned that Schumer’s political future looks shaky. The problem? A sharp drop in support from New York Democrats after his March vote to help pass a GOP-led spending bill.
Back in December 2024, Schumer had a strong 73% favorability rating. Now, it’s dropped to 52%. “That is the lowest I could ever find in Siena College on how Democrats in Chuck Schumer’s home state view him,” Enten said.
He also pointed out Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s high favorability with Democrats. Her numbers are in the 60s. “It’s almost unfathomable,” Enten added, reacting to Schumer’s sharp decline.
A new poll backs up the concern. Data for Progress found 55% of likely Democratic voters in New York would support or lean toward AOC in a 2028 primary. Only 36% said the same for Schumer.
Even more troubling? Just 50% of New York Democrats want Schumer to stay as Senate leader. “This screams — sirens should be going off,” Enten said. “Primary challenge. Primary challenge. Primary challenge.”
Still, Schumer remains optimistic. He told Semafor that Democrats will take back the Senate majority in 2026. “Trump is alienating people left and right,” Schumer said. “The electorate will desert the Republican candidates who embraced Trump in an overwhelming way.”
But the outlook isn’t great. Four Democratic senators are stepping down. Congressional approval ratings are near record lows. The path forward looks steep.
Former Clinton pollster Mark Penn issued a dire warning. “AOC taking off Schumer, wow, that could finish this party off,” he said. “This could put it into the wilderness the way the Labour Party was for a decade.”