Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's attempts to bolster his image through media appearances seem to be falling flat, as he remains one of the least favored politicians in Washington, D.C.
According to a Gallup poll released on December 22, Schumer is set to conclude 2025 as the least popular major political figure in the nation's capital, ranking lower than 13 other prominent politicians. As reported by Western Journal, Schumer's approval rating stands at a mere 28 percent, trailing behind Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who holds a 34 percent approval rating, and Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, with 37 percent.
Even President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance fare better, with approval ratings of 36 and 39 percent, respectively. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also surpass Schumer, each with a 39 and 36 percent approval rating.
Despite the media's relentless scrutiny of Hegseth over alleged scandals, he still manages to outpace Schumer by eight points. Schumer's unpopularity transcends party lines, with only 16 percent of Republicans and 30 percent of independents disapproving of him, while a mere 39 percent of Democrats express approval. The only other political figure with negative ratings across all groups is Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who still garners a 44 percent approval rating. Conducted between December 1 and 15, the poll has a margin of error of 4 percent.
Gallup's media release highlights the deterioration of Schumer's standing within his own party: "Schumers rating among his own party has worsened markedly. Two years ago, 76% of Democrats approved of his job and 20% disapproved, but now 39% approve and 56% disapprove." This trend is not isolated, as the New York Post pointed out. "A Siena College poll of New York state voters taken last month also showed Schumer with his lowest approval rating in 21 years of surveys. A majority of voters in deep blue New York had an unfavorable view of the longtime senator," the outlet reported.
The broader picture reveals a general dissatisfaction with politicians, yet most maintain support within their own ranks. Schumer, at 75, lacks a solid power base. His handling of government shutdowns, first avoiding one in the spring and then leading another in the fall with little to show for it, has left him perceived as ineffective in a political climate that values youthful vigor and decisive action, especially after the tumultuous final years of Joe Biden's presidency.
Compounding Schumer's woes is his apparent estrangement from the Democratic Party's rising star of 2025, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. As NJ.com noted, Schumer's refusal to endorse Mamdani raised questions about his leadership. Representative Ro Khanna of California, a prominent figure within the party, highlighted this issue following Mamdani's victory and the shutdown debacle.
Schumer's determination to remain in the political arena is evident, yet the challenges he faces are mounting. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is leading in primary polls against Schumer, who is up for reelection in 2028. While AOC may opt out of a senatorial campaign to preserve her chances for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, there is no shortage of ambitious Democrats in New York eager for higher office, some of whom have avoided the controversies that have plagued others.
Whether Schumer decides to run or retains his leadership role is uncertain. Having led the Democratic caucus in the Senate for nearly a decade, his influence has waned significantly. Despite his media presence, Schumer's popularity has plummeted, making him the least favored major political figure in Washington by a considerable margin.
The situation has deteriorated to the point where even the cameras might metaphorically turn away in disapproval. Given these circumstances, it may be time for Schumer to consider stepping down and retiring from the political stage.
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