Schumer Appointed Minority Leader in U.S. Senate, Announces Democratic Leadership Team, Committee Rankings

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer

WASHINGTON – Chuck Schumer is the next Senate minority leader. He will be the first New Yorker to ever hold the position.

Schumer will replace the retiring Harry Reid when Congress convenes for its 115th session in January. State Democratic Party leaders say New Yorkers now have a direct line to one of the most important seats of power in the country.

In front of reporters Wednesday, Schumer promised a “sharper, bolder, stronger economic message” from Senate Democrats.

“I am humbled and honored by the trust and confidence my colleagues have placed in me and proud to introduce this leadership team,” said Schumer. “I am going to wake up every single day focused on how Senate Democrats can effectively fight for America’s middle class, and those struggling to make it. This team is ideologically and geographically diverse, it mixes the wisdom of experience with the vigor of youth, at least in Senate years, but from the top to bottom, each of these Senators has devoted their lives to fighting for the middle class and those struggling to get there.”

Schumer says he’s willing to work with President-Elect Donald Trump on issues where they agree, but will also challenge him on other issues, as well.

“As Democrats determine our way forward, I can tell the American people this: We are ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Republicans – working with soon-to-be President Trump on issues where we agree — but we will go toe-to-toe against the President-elect whenever our values or the progress we’ve made is under assault.”

Schumer has been criticized by some Democrats for his ties to Wall Street. He pleased some progressive Democrats Wednesday, however, by tapping Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren for leadership roles in the Senate.

The Senate Democratic Leadership for the 115th Congress:

Senate Democratic Leader and Chair of the Conference: Senator Charles Schumer
Minority Whip: Senator Dick Durbin
Assistant Democratic Leader: Senator Patty Murray
Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee: Senator Debbie Stabenow
Vice Chair of the Conference: Senator Elizabeth Warren
Vice Chair of the Conference: Senator Mark Warner
Chair of Steering Committee: Senator Amy Klobuchar
Chair of Outreach: Senator Bernie Sanders
Vice Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee: Senator Joe Manchin
Senate Democratic Conference Secretary: Senator Tammy Baldwin