Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin won't rule out challenging Schumer for leadership
The gist
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin declined to rule out a bid to lead Senate Democrats after midterm wins.
Her choice will shape who steers the party's agenda in Trump's final two years.
How it unfolded
- Mar 4, 2025Slotkin delivered the Democratic response to Trump's joint congressional address, accusing him of driving up costs and pushing a giveaway to "his billionaire friends."
- Nov 2025Slotkin organized and appeared in a 90-second video with other Democrats urging military service members to resist "illegal orders."
- Jan 14, 2026Slotkin said she was notified that the Trump administration is investigating her over the video, learning of the inquiry from the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Key terms
- midterm
- US general elections held near the midpoint of a president's four-year term, when all House seats and about a third of Senate seats are contested.
- majority leader
- A U.S. senator chosen by their party caucus to serve as chief spokesperson and leader of the chamber's majority party.
- exit poll
- A survey of voters taken just after they leave polling stations, used to estimate how an election is turning out.
Source: Wikipedia