Is This the Reason Dems Are Keeping the Government Closed?

Leah Barkoukis | October 07, 2025 8:00 AM

Are Senate Democrats keeping the government shut down because Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is deeply fearful of a 2028 primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez? That’s what some top Republicans charge, but it may not be the full story.

“The reason why the American people’s government is shut down is because Chuck Schumer is listening to the far-left radicals in his own party because he’s terrified of a primary challenge," Vice President JD Vance said during a White House briefing.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has argued the same.

"There is one reason and one reason alone that Chuck Schumer is leading the Democrats off this cliff,” he said during an interview with FOX Business' Mornings with Maria. “He is trying to get political cover from the far-left corner of his base. He's afraid of a challenge for his Senate seat by AOC or someone like that."

While AOC has not ruled out a Senate bid, she argues voters aren’t concerned about an election years down the road and insists negotiations are taking place with Democratic leadership, not her.

"Democrats are scared of their own radical left-wing base, so their secret plan is to keep the government closed until after this rally," Senate Republicans said on X. "Meanwhile, poor moms will struggle to feed their kids and our troops will go without pay. It’s time for Chuck Schumer to stop the political games."

🚨 BREAKING 🚨

There’s a big “No Kings” rally in Washington on October 18. Democrats are scared of their own radical left-wing base, so their secret plan is to keep the government closed until after this rally.

Meanwhile, poor moms will struggle to feed their kids and our… pic.twitter.com/fil0xK8iAj
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) October 6, 2025