Senate Democrats to hold leadership elections after losing chamber majority

After losing the Senate majority to Republicans in the 2024 election, Democrat senators are gearing up for an internal leadership election to fill their top posts in the chamber. The election is set to take place on Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning, with a focus on who will fill the No. 3 position previously held by a retiring longtime lawmaker.

Last month’s election resulted in Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., losing his position as Senate majority leader, a role he had held for a long time. However, Schumer will now assume the position of Senate minority leader in 2025. Majority Whip Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., is expected to remain the No. 2 Democrat in the chamber as minority whip, a position he has held for almost two decades.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., did not seek re-election, leaving her policy and communications committee chair position open for contenders. Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Cory Booker, D-N.J., were reportedly vying for the No. 3 position. Recent reports suggest that Klobuchar is poised to take on the coveted leadership post, while Booker is set to assume the No. 4 position in the Senate.

During the campaign season, Booker made himself known across the country with appearances in various states. Senate Republicans have also recently held leadership elections in preparation for their upcoming six-seat majority in the chamber for the next Congress. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., was elected to serve as Senate majority leader, replacing Schumer in the top position.

As the internal leadership election approaches, Democrats are strategizing on how to navigate their roles in the Senate minority. The outcome of the election will shape the party’s direction and priorities moving forward. Stay tuned for updates on the results of the internal leadership election and the impact it will have on the Democratic caucus in the Senate.