According to a report, Chuck Schumer actively worked behind the scenes to prevent the government shutdown from ending, aiming to keep it open until Thanksgiving. He called Democrat governors and influential party leaders to support his strategy, requesting them to attack Republicans over rising health care costs rather than Senate Democrats or himself. Some of those Schumer contacted told him no, while others did not comply with his request.

The prolonged shutdown, which lasted longer than any previous in history, ended when a group of Democrats caved and voted to re-open the government. However, Schumer’s efforts to delay the re-opening until after Thanksgiving had significant implications for millions of American families’ holiday plans, including impacts on travel, pay for troops, and federal programs.

Following the Senate vote that led to the shutdown ending, Schumer was seen calling governors and influential party leaders to make it clear it wasn’t his fault. He emphasized that he kept Senate Democrats united longer than they wanted to be, even as he attempted to prolong the shutdown until Thanksgiving. The report highlights that some of those he contacted did not support his strategy, leading to a loss of public backup for his approach.

Schumer’s actions have left him more vulnerable than ever, both on Capitol Hill and in New York, with serious doubts about his ability to drive opposition against President Donald Trump. Many believe he may face a primary challenge if he attempts to run for re-election in 2028, as some contenders are already preparing to run. Within the Senate Democratic ranks, Schumer is encountering more grumbling than ever before, similar to past House and Senate leaders in their final years on the job.

A former House member and current New York lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, expressed hope that Schumer does not run for reelection, stating, “I hope that by the time we get to 2028, we’re talking about different voices, we’re talking about folks that are younger that can bring a different kind of energy.”

The report also notes that Schumer’s chances of being re-elected in the midterms are slim, with his actions making him appear as Congress’s equivalent of the Grinch.