Call Your Senate | November 13, 2026
Democrats are projected to control both chambers of the next Congress, but the midterms didn’t settle who will lead them or how they’ll use that power. In the House, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries remains the favorite for Speaker, even as some incoming Democrats withhold support or press him for commitments. In the Senate, the disagreement has produced a formal contest: Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced November 12 that he will challenge New York Sen. Chuck Schumer for Democratic leader.
Some Democrats see the election as a reason to keep the leaders who helped win the majorities. Others see it as an opportunity to change how Congress confronts President Donald Trump, handles money in politics and acts on household costs. The election results alone don’t tell us which approach voters preferred.
House: Why Some Democrats Are Pressing Jeffries for Change
Jeffries announced his bid for Speaker on November 4. Some progressive activists have urged Democrats to choose someone else, arguing that party leaders haven’t pushed back hard enough against the Trump administration. Among incoming lawmakers, the concerns vary. Ohio Rep.-elect Don Leonard has pressed Jeffries on his support for Israel. North Carolina Rep.-elect Richard Ojeda has called for action on money in politics. Other incoming members have asked for clearer commitments on healthcare and immigration or on what the new majority will deliver for their districts, Axios reported.
That pressure hasn’t produced a declared rival for Speaker. Several prominent progressives, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Greg Casar, support Jeffries. Rep. Debbie Dingell has also backed him, arguing that he earned the chance to lead. Jeffries’ own pitch names affordability and oversight as priorities, including action on Medicaid and Affordable Care Act tax credits. Those are stated priorities; the legislative details and votes are still ahead.
House Democrats’ internal leadership elections are scheduled for November 18–19. Choosing a party nominee is the first step. The full House elects the Speaker in a separate floor vote when the new Congress organizes in January. If elected, Jeffries would become the first Black Speaker in U.S. history. Republican Mike Johnson remains Speaker of the current House.
Senate: Why Van Hollen Is Challenging Schumer
Van Hollen said when he entered the race that the midterm results called for a change in how Democrats lead. Some critics of Schumer want the Senate to take a more forceful approach to the administration and act faster on healthcare costs. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, has endorsed Van Hollen, AP reported. Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin said she would not back Schumer and called for an open debate over the party’s direction.
A March 2025 funding vote helps explain the disagreement. Schumer voted to advance a Republican-backed funding bill, saying a shutdown would give the administration more room to disrupt federal operations. Van Hollen, Sanders and Slotkin voted against advancing it. For Schumer’s critics, the decision became an example of why they wanted a different negotiating approach. His supporters point to his experience managing the Senate and his role in helping Democrats win back the majority.
Schumer says he has enough support to remain Democratic leader. That is his assessment, not a vote result. AP reports that the caucus will vote by secret ballot in early December; CNN reports the vote is scheduled for December 1. Republican John Thune remains majority leader in the current Senate.
What These Leaders Can Change for Americans
| Role | What the leader can influence |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the House | Which bills reach the House floor and, working with the Rules Committee and the majority, how those bills are debated and amended. |
| Senate majority leader | Which bills and presidential nominations get Senate floor time, and how much time the parties agree to spend on debate. |
The Senate has no Speaker. Each party chooses its own Senate leader, and the majority party’s leader manages the floor agenda. The vice president is the constitutional president of the Senate and can break ties; that is a separate job.
For households, the first thing to watch is what gets a vote. Leadership can give bills on healthcare costs, taxes or federal funding a clearer path to the floor. Committee leaders can also investigate how agencies spend public money. But scheduling a vote doesn’t pass a bill, and a leadership election doesn’t change premiums, benefits or tax rules. Both chambers generally must approve the same text, and the president can veto it. In the Senate, ending a filibuster on most legislation generally takes 60 votes when all seats are filled. As of November 13, Reuters reported a projected 55 seats for the Democratic caucus, including aligned independents, with Alaska still uncalled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jeffries face a formal challenge for Speaker?
No rival has publicly declared as of November 13. Some incoming Democrats have withheld support or asked for policy commitments, but Jeffries remains the leading candidate.
Has Schumer already lost his leadership position?
No. He remains Senate Democratic leader. Van Hollen is challenging him for the party’s leadership in the next Congress, and the caucus has yet to vote.
When does the new Congress take over?
Regular congressional terms begin at noon Eastern on January 3, 2027, under the 20th Amendment. The November and December party votes do not transfer control of the current Congress.
Follow the CYS Senate Election Tracker for the transition. If you want Congress to prioritize an issue, find your current senators or look up your House representative. Ask what specific bill, hearing or vote they would support.
