17 or 18 times: Hamilton's count of Schumer's name in Kansas campaign

Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton of Kansas says his base is tired of Chuck Schumer's name. Hamilton told NBC News on Sunday that a large share of Kansas voters see the Senate Minority Leader as a polarizing force. He framed the complaint not as a personal attack, but as a response to the way Schumer was used against him during the election.

Hamilton recalled that incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall invoked Schumer’s name roughly 17 or 18 times during debates and ads. Marshall referenced Hamilton himself far less often. According to Hamilton, this frequency painted Schumer as a figure positioned further to the left of the political center. It created a perception that Schumer divides the coalition rather than unites it.

The Kansas Democrat outlined a preference for a leader who operates from the middle. Hamilton said the party needs someone capable of bridging the gap with Republicans while also holding together the various factions within the Democratic caucus. He described a need for fresh ideas and a unifying presence.

When asked to identify a specific successor, Hamilton paused. He estimated that about ten current senators might be suitable candidates based on brief discussions. However, he declined to release a short list, citing a lack of depth in his conversations with those potential contenders. He acknowledged that a handful of members lead from the center but felt he did not know them well enough to endorse any individual yet.

Schumer holds the votes necessary to become Senate majority leader next month. The role requires only a majority of the Democratic caucus. Projections indicate the group will grow to at least 54 members in 2027, with a possible ceiling of 56. This arithmetic gives Schumer a secure path to the top of the Senate leadership.

Hamilton is part of a growing group of new Democrats questioning the status quo. Sen.-elects Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, Troy Jackson of Maine, and Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota have also signaled they may not back Schumer. Schumer addressed the criticism last Wednesday, stating he is not the main issue facing the party. He expressed confidence that his colleagues will reelect him and argued the focus should be on governing for the American people.

Outside the chamber, the progressive organization Indivisible urged Democrats to replace Schumer. The group argued that voters elected the party with the expectation of major changes, not a return to business as usual. Comedian Jon Stewart joined the criticism last Thursday on his podcast. Stewart said Schumer does not fully grasp the urgency of the moment and urged the incoming leadership to demonstrate effective governance rather than pursuing impeachment.