Ro Khanna backs AOC against Chuck Schumer in Senate primary

In March 2025, political tensions were high in the Democratic Party as Senator Chuck Schumer faced rising dissatisfaction among voters, leading to speculation about a potential primary challenge from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Ro Khanna, a prominent progressive Democrat from California, indicated that many within the party were encouraging Ocasio-Cortez to run against Schumer for his Senate seat in the primary elections scheduled for next year. This urgency for leadership change within the party was prompted by a recent vote in which Schumer and other Senate Democrats backed down from a confrontation over government funding, increasing discontent among the Democratic base. Schumer's decision to support a short-term clean continuing resolution, rather than a more progressive funding strategy, was viewed unfavorably by many constituents. Polls indicated a sharp decline in his popularity, with approximately 60% of voters regarding him unfavorably. At the same time, a poll suggested that Ocasio-Cortez resonated more with party values, with her viewed as the representative voice for core Democratic principles. She garnered around 10% support, compared to 9% for Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris. Schumer's approach to leadership came under fire as several party members openly criticized his strategy, amidst the backdrop of losing three seats in the Senate during the prior elections. The dissatisfaction culminated in calls for a new direction for the party, with some feeling that Ocasio-Cortez could provide that fresh perspective. Though Ocasio-Cortez had ruled out a run for Senate in 2025, the ongoing discussions and endorsements could reshape her political trajectory. In media interactions, Sanders was reluctant to endorse the idea directly when asked if he would support Ocasio-Cortez's potential candidacy, illustrating the complexity of the existing party dynamics. While Schumer maintained that he was the best candidate for the party's leadership, the growing sentiment for change, especially in light of the party's electoral losses, fueled speculation about a significant battle between established incumbents and progressive challengers. The ongoing discourse about Ocasio-Cortez's candidacy illustrates the broader struggle within the Democratic Party to balance traditional leadership with emerging progressive voices.