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Chuck Schumer's Numbers Might Explain Why Democratic Socialists are Winning Primaries

Jeff Charles
Jeff Charles  |  June 30, 2026 10:15 AM

CNN analyst Harry Enten highlighted some numbers that could further show how Democratic voters are favoring far-leftist socialist candidates heading into the midterm elections.

During a recent broadcast, Enten noted that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s approval rating among Democratic voters is far lower today than it was in 2020. 

"Chuck Schumer was 40 points above water, very much on the positive side of the ledger with Democrats,” Enten said. But now, Schumer “is actually underwater nationally with Democrats and even in his own home state of New York, the Empire State. He can’t even reach 50% favorable rating with Democrats."

Then, the analyst seemed to make a prediction. "I tell you, these numbers scream primary challenge two years from now," he said.

He further noted that these numbers are part of a larger “leftward lurch” on the part of Democratic voters and a “rise of progressive Democrats [and] democratic socialists.”

A Siena University poll published in April revealed similar results, noting that Schumer’s approval rating had fallen to 38 percent in March.

Meanwhile, candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have been racking up plenty of victories in primary races across the country. Most recently, far leftist Democrats have defeated their establishment Democrat opponents in local and state legislative races.

Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso by more than 20 points in the Seventh Congressional District. Darializa Avila Chevalier, ousted a longtime incumbent in the Thirteenth District. In total, about 12 of the 13 DSA-backed candidates won their primary elections — many by comfortable margins.