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Democrats are publicly clashing over the future of the party after Senator Elissa Slotkin said Democrats need "significant change" and "new leadership," prompting a swift response from members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), who defended the party's current leadership and pushed back on suggestions that it is time for a wholesale shake-up.
Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat widely viewed as a rising voice in the party, argued in an interview with Stephen A. Smith on his podcast Straight Shooter that Democrats incapable of adapting to the political moment should make room for new leaders.
Newsweek reached out to the offices of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Friday night for comment.
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Slotkin said the party needs "significant change" and "new leadership," and that those unable to meet the current challenges should step aside for others who can.
"There is every single day a debate going on in the Democratic Party, and for me, this is why I'm a big believer in just new leadership, significant change. The old models do not work for people and that includes in the Democratic Party," she said in part. Smith then pressed Slotkin, asking her if she specifically meant new change in Democratic Party leadership, and she responded, "absolutely."
"We need new leadership in the White House, the House and the Senate and on both sides of the aisle. That includes Democrats," Slotkin said, adding that Democrats seem to have found themselves in a situation with people who don't "understand the moment and understand what leadership means."
She said if those in leadership can't adapt, "then they need to let others lead."
Jeffries was asked about Slotkin's comment by CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Friday and he responded in part, "I have no idea what Elissa Slotkin was talking about there." He also said that "the moment" right now is focusing on taking back control of the House.
He went on to mention the New York primaries, where his endorsed candidates lost. "Of course, any Democratic leader is going to continue to stand with their colleagues. And I’m proud of the effort that was put in by both Congressman Adriano Espaillat as well as Congressman Dan Goldman, two members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus."
Jeffries added, "At the same period of time, I think that what happens in a handful of primaries in one of the bluest cities in the country is not in any way indicative of what needs to happen in November."
Slotkin's comments drew criticism from CBC members, who seemingly interpreted the remarks as a swipe at Jeffries. Black Caucus lawmakers defended the House minority leader, arguing he has united the caucus and pushed back against undercutting Democratic leadership as the party looks forward.
"Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has worked tirelessly to hold the line for working people every single day and has led the House Democratic Caucus with discipline, clarity, and results," the statement read in part. Caucus members also called out Slotkin for voting to confirm Trump Cabinet members like former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
"We're focused on delivering for the American people- not relitigating leadership from the other chamber or posturing for higher office in 2028," the statement added.
The exchange underscores broader tensions within the Democratic Party as lawmakers debate how to recover from the 2024 presidential election and position themselves for future races.
Slotkin's remarks also come as Jeffries endured notable primary endorsement losses in New York against candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The split highlighted the growing divide between Mamdani's ascendant progressive coalition and New York's Democratic establishment, with the mayor demonstrating an ability to mobilize voters against the party's traditional power structure.
Jeffries reacted to the results on Wednesday night while speaking with MS NOW's Jen Psaki, saying in part, "I was proud to stand in support of them, and if I had to do it all over again, I'd do exactly the same thing."
The New York Democrat added in part that, "In a moment like this, we really, you know, have to move forward together on the governing side in an all-hands-on-deck fashion because we're dealing with a level of extremism that Donald Trump and the Republicans are unleashing on the American people that is unprecedented."