Chuck Schumer, born on November 23, 1950, in New York City, is a prominent American politician serving as the senior U.S. Senator from New York since 1999. A member of the Democratic Party, he has held various leadership positions, including Senate Majority Leader from 2021 to 2025 and Senate Minority Leader since 2025.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Brooklyn, Schumer graduated from James Madison High School in 1967. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and later obtained his law degree from Harvard Law School.
Political Career
- New York State Assembly (1975–1980): Schumer began his political career in the New York State Assembly, representing the 45th district.
- U.S. House of Representatives (1981–1999): He served nine terms in the House, representing New York’s 16th, 10th, and 9th congressional districts over the years.
- U.S. Senate (1999–present): Elected in 1998, Schumer has been re-elected multiple times, most recently in 2022 with 56% of the vote.
Recent Developments
As of March 2025, Schumer has indicated that Senate Democrats are prepared to block a Republican-drafted funding bill aimed at avoiding a government shutdown. He criticized the bill for its partisan nature and lack of Democratic input, proposing instead a short-term funding plan to allow for bipartisan negotiations.