Senator Chuck Schumer was unanimously elected on Thursday for an additional time period as Senate Democratic chief, main a bolstered 51-seat majority for a brand new period of divided authorities within the US Congress.

Senate Democrats met behind closed doorways on the Capitol to decide on their management group for the brand new Congress that begins in January.

As Senate majority chief, Mr Schumer has confirmed to be a gentle pressure amid one of many extra consequential periods of Congress.

He took the helm within the weeks after the January 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol, and led his social gathering by means of the Covid-19 disaster and legislative achievements, a lot of them bipartisan. A former marketing campaign chief, he steered the social gathering to the bulk and expanded it to 51 seats with Senator Raphael Warnock’s election win on Tuesday in Georgia.

Mr Schumer’s reelection places two New Yorkers on the prime of the Democratic management in Congress, alongside Hakeem Jefferies, the incoming House minority chief. Mr Jeffries was elected to guide the Democrats after Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s determination to step apart subsequent yr.

Senate Democrats are anticipated to fill out their management group with new and returning figures.

Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois is on observe for an additional time period within the quantity two spot. The quantity three place is to be crammed by Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan.

With Republicans taking management of the House, it is going to be a brand new problem for Mr Schumer in a divided Washington.

Senate Republicans already selected their group, placing Senate Republican chief Mitch McConnell on observe to grow to be the longest-serving social gathering chief within the chamber.

Mr McConnell beat again a uncommon problem from Florida GOP Senator Rick Scott, the social gathering’s marketing campaign chief, who did not win again the Senate majority for the Republicans.