Furious Democrats are pushing “Squad” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to primary Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) after he agreed to vote with Republicans to avoid a government shutdown, according to reports.
Progressives see Schumer’s sudden decision to support the legislation, which would fund the government through September, as “surrendering” to Republicans and as a “huge slap in the face” to them. It is leading many to encourage AOC to run for his seat in 2028, according to reports.
Democrats convening for a retreat in Virginia this week are “so mad” that they are “ready to write checks for AOC for Senate,” one House Democrat told CNN.
In an interview with the outlet on Thursday, Ocasio-Cortez, 35, did not answer a question about challenging Schumer, and instead said, “I think what we need right now is a united Senate Democratic Caucus that can stand up for this country and not vote for cloture and not vote for this bill.”
AOC, who reps parts of the Bronx and Queens, told reporters Thursday that seeing Senate Democrats “even consider acquiescing to Elon Musk … is a huge slap in the face and I think that there’s a wide sense of betrayal.”
Republicans hold a 53-vote majority in the Senate and needed 60 votes to avert the government shutting down Friday at midnight. Sen. Rand Paul opposed the House GOP measure but Schumer and nine other Democrats joined the GOP to overcome a filibuster.
Just Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Angus King (I-Maine) broke from their caucus on final passage of the bill.
Schumer originally slammed the bill — but reversed course, saying “the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse.”
“Under a shutdown, Trump and Elon Musk would have carte blanche to destroy vital government services at a significantly faster rate than they can right now,” he said in a Senate floor speech Thursday.
“I believe it is my job to make the best choice for the country, to minimize the harms to the American people, therefore, I will vote to keep the government open and not shut it down.”
His flip-flop frustrated liberals who were hoping for a chance to finally thwart Republicans who control both chambers of Congress.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries refused to answer a question this week about Schumer’s leadership, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared to criticize his decision in a blistering statement Friday calling the bill a “devastating assault” on working-class families.
“America has experienced a Trump shutdown before — but this damaging legislation only makes matters worse,” Pelosi said. “Democrats must not buy into this false choice.”
President Trump praised Schumer’s move, saying it took “guts and courage.”
“A non pass would be a Country destroyer, approval will lead us to new heights,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Again, really good and smart move by Senator Schumer.”
