As House Democrats and others within the party increasingly urge the removal of Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., from his long-held position as Senate Democratic leader, a leading Democratic senator states that the time has come for “new leadership” in the party.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, in a one-on-one discussion with Fox News Digital during a visit to New Hampshire, expressed that it’s also an opportune moment for a younger cohort of Democratic leaders to “step up the stage.”
Booker’s interview occurred on Friday, four days following the decision by seven Senate Democrats and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, who aligns with the party, to break ranks with Senate Democratic leadership. They joined the majority Republicans in voting to bring an end to the longest federal government shutdown on record.
Numerous progressives and center-left Democrats have heavily criticized the agreement to conclude the shutdown, highlighting its omission of the Democrats’ primary objective: securing an extension of expiring subsidies that enhance the affordability of health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act, also referred to as the ACA or Obamacare, for millions of Americans.
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Despite his opposition to the agreement, Schumer, the highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate, is facing growing calls from within his party to resign due to his perceived inability to maintain unity among Senate Democrats.
However, as of now, no Senate Democrat has publicly echoed these demands for Schumer’s resignation.
Following the final congressional vote to end the shutdown, Booker conveyed that “the Democratic Party is in need of change. It requires a new generation of leaders to confront Trump.”
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When questioned about whether his remarks were directed at Schumer, Booker responded, “I am aiming these comments at anyone who is willing to hear me.”
“The generation of Chuck Schumer, the generation of Nancy Pelosi, the generation of John Lewis—they have earned considerable pride. Nevertheless, it is time for new leadership. The subsequent generations, X, millennials, Z—it’s our turn to take charge. The stage is set for us to lead, not only the party but the nation as a whole, right now.”
Booker’s interview took place prior to an event at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. New Hampshire’s two senators, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, were among the Democrats who endorsed the agreement with Republicans.
Shaheen, who had previously backed a bill to prolong the ACA subsidies, defended her decision on Monday to diverge from her party in support of the agreement.
“We are ensuring that Americans can access the food assistance they require, that air traffic controllers receive their paychecks, that federal employees, including those who were furloughed, can return to work and receive their compensation, that contractors are compensated, and that aviation activities can proceed,” Shaheen stated during an interview on “Fox and Friends.”
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When asked about the Democratic senators who broke ranks with the party, Booker, who was a Division One football player at Stanford University, advocated for party cohesion.
“I participated in football, and that particular play is now behind us. Now, I urge everyone to regroup in the huddle, tighten our chin straps, as we must push forward, with the end goal for me being very clear: reducing healthcare costs, lowering grocery expenses, decreasing energy costs, and establishing an America that benefits all, not just the wealthiest individuals,” Booker explained.
Booker, who previously set a Senate record by delivering a 25-hour speech earlier in the year to challenge President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda, commented, “I firmly believe that if one wishes to move quickly, they should proceed alone. However, if one aims to go far, collaboration is essential.”
He also expressed his dismay at the heightened animosity between Democrats and Republicans, stating that “the partisanship, as you are aware, troubles me, as it has evolved into tribalism.”
During his unsuccessful campaign for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, Booker invested considerable time and cultivated numerous relationships in New Hampshire, which has traditionally hosted the nation’s first presidential primary for over a century.
Booker, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming year in the predominantly Democratic state of New Jersey, is viewed by political analysts as a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, which is anticipated to be a fiercely contested and crowded field.
“Certainly, I am contemplating it. I have not dismissed the possibility. However, I am on the ballot in New Jersey in ’26, and that remains my primary focus,” Booker affirmed.
Following his Fox News interview, Booker headlined the most recent “Stand Up New Hampshire Town Hall.” This speaking series, organized by prominent New Hampshire Democratic elected officials and party leaders, is perceived as an initial gathering for potential White House aspirants.
Later that day, he delivered the keynote address at a significant fundraising gala for the New Hampshire Democratic Party.
Booker described the upcoming year’s elections, during which the Democrats will endeavor to regain majorities in both the House and Senate, as “crucially important.”
“Do not discuss ’28 with me until you demonstrate where you stand and whom you represent in ’26. I stand for New Jersey. I stand for America, and an America that serves everyone,” Booker emphasized.
