Schumer vows to block conservative court nominees in new Senate

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer pledged Thursday that his party's newly elected Senate majority will refuse to confirm conservative nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court, lower federal courts, or President Donald Trump's Cabinet over the next two years, as reported by KCBS Radio. Simultaneously, Trump reiterated his support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ahead of a House impeachment vote planned by Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, while Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett confirmed his interest in the Senate seat being vacated by Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn.

Schumer Outlines Judicial and Legislative Priorities for Durable Senate Majority

Speaking with The Associated Press two days after Democrats captured a Senate majority of at least 54 seats — with the potential to reach 56 seats if uncalled races in Mississippi and Alaska go their way — Schumer stated that Democrats will not allow a "right-winger" on the Supreme Court or approve unqualified nominees for the federal judiciary or Cabinet. Schumer, who first led his party's Senate campaign arm in the 2006 cycle and became Senate Democratic leader in 2015, described the result as a "durable majority" built over 20 years.

Schumer credited the victories to candidate recruitment and a focus on lowering consumer costs across Republican-leaning states, pointing to Democrat Josh Turek's win in Iowa, Democrat Troy Jackson's defeat of Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, former Sen. Sherrod Brown's victory over Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno in Ohio, and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed's win in Michigan after defeating Haley Stevens in the primary and receiving $67 million in general election support. Schumer said the incoming majority will focus on healthcare, housing, tariffs, and lowering energy bills, as well as banning federal elected officials from stock trades and limiting consumer electricity costs from data center expansion, though passing legislation without eliminating the 60-vote filibuster will still require bipartisan backing. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Vermont Sen. Peter Welch also weighed in on caucus discussions ahead of the 2027 session and 2028 cycle.

Trump Backs Pete Hegseth as Rep. Tim Burchett Eyes Tennessee Senate Appointment

When asked about potential impeachment proceedings in the next Congress, Schumer indicated he would support an impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a measure House lawmakers have already prepared. According to The Press, outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., plans to force a House vote on impeaching Hegseth when Congress reconvenes next week. Trump told reporters on Wednesday and Thursday that he stands by Hegseth and thinks he is doing a very good job, while Hegseth released a social media video Thursday dismissing the impeachment push.

Meanwhile, jockeying has begun in Tennessee to succeed Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who won Tuesday's gubernatorial election and plans to retain her Senate seat until she is sworn in as governor in January so she can appoint her successor for the remainder of her term ending in January 2031, as reported by KCBS Radio. Rep. Tim Burchett, who won reelection Tuesday, told The Associated Press he wants to be considered for the appointment, while a source familiar with Blackburn's transition confirmed that Hegseth — who moved to Tennessee in 2022 — is not under consideration for the Senate seat.