Schumer Faces Impatient Left, Divided Right in New Senate Role
- New York senator tapped ties to Wall Street in rise to power
- Holding moderates will prove vital in new 50-50 Senate
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Chuck Schumer is set to preside over the narrowest possible majority of the U.S. Senate, a task that will require him to keep his Democratic caucus united while luring Republican support for legislation central to President-elect Joe Biden’s priorities.
Schumer, 70, rose to the pinnacle of Senate power on his capacity for political fundraising, heavily aided by ties to New York’s lucrative financial industry. Now his success as incoming majority leader will hinge on building consensus in a chamber still reeling from Wednesday’s mob violence and with Republicans divided over loyalty to President Donald Trump.