Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and progressive Democrat campaigning for a Senate seat in Maine, has openly criticized Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. Platner argues that Schumer has “failed” to maintain party unity against a government funding bill that lacks provisions for extending health insurance subsidies, and he believes Schumer should resign from his leadership role.

“This morning is grim for millions of American families. Last night, several Senate Democrats caved in, siding with Republicans. As a result, up to 20 million Americans might see their healthcare premiums skyrocket—doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling,” Platner expressed in a brief video shared by his campaign on the social media platform X. The post can be viewed here.

Although Schumer and the majority of Senate Democrats opposed a procedural vote to move forward with a government funding package, Platner holds the Democratic leader responsible for the situation. The funding package would have ended a 41-day government shutdown.

“This outcome is a direct result of Chuck Schumer’s repeated failures. They don’t understand that standing firm for working families leads to victories. To them, this is just a game,” Platner remarked, speaking from beneath a green umbrella amidst the rainy New England atmosphere.

“I urge you to call your senators today. Demand that Chuck Schumer step down from his leadership position,” he continued.

Platner is running in a Senate primary against Maine Gov. Janet Mills, Schumer’s top recruit to flip the seat now held by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). 

Schumer has taken heat from House progressives, as well, over the defection of eight members of the Senate Democratic caucus who voted Sunday to proceed to a House-passed bill to reopen government, which will serve as the legislative vehicle to a bipartisan Senate funding proposal.

Schumer voted against the funding bill, as did 39 other members of the Democratic caucus.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a progressive Democrat representing Silicon Valley, called on Senate Democrats to Monday morning to oust Schumer.

“Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced. If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?” Khanna wrote on X.

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), another leading House progressive, also vented his frustration with Schumer.

“Don’t endorse or say who you voted for in NYC despite there being a Dem candidate. Get Dem Senators to negotiate a terrible ‘deal’ that does nothing real about healthcare. Screw over a national political party. Profile of scourge? Next,” Pocan posted on X.

Schumer on Monday declared on the Senate floor that Democrats scored a major victory during the shutdown by elevating the issue of rising health care costs and the refusal by Republicans to extend health insurance subsidies.

“Republicans now own this healthcare crisis. They knew it was coming. We wanted to fix it. Republicans said no. And now it’s on them,” he said.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) on Monday defended Schumer for waging a “valiant” fight to extend the health care subsidies.

“Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats over the last seven weeks have waged a valiant fight on behalf of the American people,” he told reporters in the Capitol.