Senate majority leader post: Schumer faces opposition within his own party

Although Chuck Schumer himself believes he will continue as leader of the Democratic Party, which won a Senate majority in the midterm elections, some within the party do not support it.

At a post-election meeting in Washington on Saturday, two senators - Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan - declined to back Schumer. Slotkin said she could not rule out contesting herself.

There should be no coronation for the next Democratic leader, Van Hollen said. He also asked members to hold back pledges of support until Schumer explains his agenda.

Schumer remains the front-runner for the post, however; no one has officially contested against him so far. After the election, the Democratic Party's strength is set to rise to at least 54 seats.

Some newly elected senators are also hesitant to support Schumer. Many see him as a divisive figure; "we need a leader who unites us," said Kansas's new senator Adam Hamilton.

Those likely to run in the 2028 presidential election are watching the leadership debate closely. "What is your plan for the first 100 days? If you cannot present it, I will not vote for you," Slotkin said.

UPDATE: Arizona senator Mark Kelly said he would back Schumer but called on him to 'operate differently than before', while Slotkin warned that Democrats should deny him the minimum quorum needed for Senate business until he responds to their concerns. No one has formally declared a challenge, and Schumer needs only a majority of Democratic senators, whose ranks are expected to rise to at least 54 after Tuesday's election.