Chuck Schumer used the threat of two more Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices to recruit top Democrats into running for Senate in 2026. The strategy worked — he got his handpicked candidates in all four states where Democrats need to flip GOP seats.

In an exclusive Axios interview, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer revealed his recruiting pitch to top Democrats considering 2026 Senate runs: the specter of Trump appointing two more Supreme Court justices if Republicans hold the Senate. With Justices Thomas (77) and Alito (74) potentially retiring during Trump's term, the Court's conservative supermajority could be locked in for a generation. Schumer, 75, has his own legacy on the line — he's up for re-election in 2028 and his longevity as party leader depends on results. The New York Democrat successfully landed his preferred candidates in all four key states where Democrats must flip Republican seats to retake the majority. Democrats currently hold 47 seats (including two independents) to Republicans' 53. The 2026 map is challenging but more favorable than 2024, with 21 Republican seats up for election versus 14 Democratic seats. Schumer believes focusing on the economy and strong candidates gives Democrats "multiple paths" to a majority.