Chuck Schumer urges new Senate Republican majority to embrace bipartisanship

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who will become the minority leader in January when a string of new Republicans are sworn in, encouraged Senate Republicans on Wednesday to pass bipartisan bills when they gain control of the upper chamber. 

Republicans flipped control of the Senate on Tuesday night, after taking seats from Democrats in West Virginia, Ohio, and Montana. The GOP is also leading in a Pennsylvania Senate race, that would oust incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey. They additionally kept major contested seats in Texas and Nebraska. 

Schumer, who was not up for reelection, said Senate Democrats were still "committed" to the values that got them elected, and would work with the GOP in order to pass meaningful legislation. He also maintained hope that Democrats would win back control of the Senate in 2026.

"As we await the final tallies in elections across the country, Senate Democrats remain committed to our values and to working with our Republican colleagues to deliver for the American people," Schumer posted in a thread on X. "As I’ve said time and again, in both the majority and the minority, the only way to get things done in the Senate is through bipartisan legislation while maintaining our principles — and the next two years will be no different."

It is not clear who will replace Schumer as the Senate Majority Leader, because current GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell will be stepping down from his post later this month. But Sens. John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas, and Rick Scott of Florida have formally tossed their hats into the ring.

The vote on McConnell's replacement is expected to take place on Nov. 13, according to CNN.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.