Democratic Socialists Target Pro-Israel Leaders Schumer and Jeffries

Democratic Socialists of America members are mobilizing their growing political influence following midterm election gains to challenge top congressional Democrats, Senate leader Chuck Schumer and House leader Hakeem Jeffries. Internal online forum discussions revealed plans to flood lawmakers with thousands of messages and calls, alongside a public opinion campaign targeting the two New York establishment figures, with the ultimate goal of unseating them in favor of socialist candidates by 2028.

Internal Criticism and Strained Alliances

The push comes despite past instances where both leaders supported candidates aligned with the leftist organization. Jeffries backed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani last year, and Schumer spoke at a 2023 fundraiser for City Council member Tiffany Caban. However, internal discussions featured harsh criticism from figures such as Sigil Ashraf, a leader of the organization's international committee, who claimed both lawmakers enthusiastically supported genocide. Another member from a New Jersey working group asserted that the eight socialist-aligned public officials must oppose Schumer and Jeffries or demand major concessions for their support.

Following the recent midterm elections and the Democratic capture of Senate control, Schumer is positioned to serve as majority leader in January, yet his leadership faces severe internal friction. Ten incumbent and incoming senators, including Bernie Sanders, Elissa Slotkin, and Abdul El-Sayed, announced they will vote against him, while Senator Chris Van Hollen challenged his leadership. The national organization launched a social media campaign titled "Say No to Schumer," generating over 6,000 constituent letters. Additionally, a Los Angeles chapter member disclosed that the Sunrise Movement is funding activist flights to Washington for protests outside Schumer's office, where demonstrations resulted in over 50 arrests by Capitol Police.

Jeffries' Position and Establishment Pushback

Jeffries navigates a different dynamic, drawing support from prominent progressives such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, incoming Representative Brad Lander, Mayor Mamdani, and New York Attorney General Letitia James as he prepares to become the first Black Speaker of the House in January. While some socialist activists label Jeffries a primary enemy, others view him as a vulnerable leader whose retention could expose the weaknesses of the party's capitalist establishment. Neither Schumer nor Jeffries responded to requests for comment, but a source familiar with the situation reported that Attorney General James warned the activists against targeting state leaders while intoxicated with power.