Chuck Schumer says he will return as Democratic majority leader after his party's midterm romp, yet a visible revolt among newly elected senators means the job is no longer a coronation.

The New York Democrat told reporters in Washington he would be re elected to lead the larger caucus. At least seven incoming freshmen have publicly declined to commit to him ahead of next month's leadership vote. Some want a more progressive champion for the final stretch of Donald Trump's presidency and the run into 2028. Others still resent Schumer's primary choices, including his backing of Haley Stevens over Abdul El Sayed in Michigan.

Critics also list older grievances: his emphasis on security aid to Israel, his failure to block more of Trump's cabinet, and his decision last year to support a Republican plan that reopened the government without winning key Democratic priorities such as healthcare subsidies. California governor Gavin Newsom called that a capitulation; Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said he should have quit as leader over it.

Schumer's answer is to preview an aggressive majority agenda: investigations into the Trump administration, resistance to the president's programme, and an end to the war with Iran. Whether that package reunites the caucus will be tested in the private count that actually chooses the leader.

The irony is sharp. Democrats just delivered one of their strongest midterm showings in a generation, yet the first internal argument is about who should steer the victory. Schumer remains the favourite on experience and relationships, but the open refusals from newcomers show that a slice of the new majority wants a different face at the top.