Schumer predicts Democrats will keep control of the Senate now that Harris is atop the party ticket

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is predicting that Democrats will keep control of the Senate in the November election and he feels “exhilarated and gratified” by the surge of enthusiasm with Vice President Kamala Harris atop the party’s ticket.

Schumer, who played a pivotal role in talking privately with President Joe Biden before the incumbent’s decision to end his reelection bid, appears more optimistic than Democrats have been in confronting a tough Senate map this election defending seats in states where Republican nominee Donald Trump is popular.

“We are so enthusiastic about the prospects of winning the presidency, keeping the Senate and winning the House,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said in an interview with The Associated Press.

He said the contrast with Republicans, especially in the aftermath of Trump questioning Harris’ racial identity and his running mate JD Vance criticizing women without children, has been glaring.

“The best thing Donald Trump did since he won the nomination was pick Vance — for Democrats,” Schumer said of the Ohio senator.

What had been a dismal outlook for Senate Democrats has shifted dramatically in the short time since Harris took hold of the party, sending a surge of enthusiasm, donors and volunteers to the Senate races.

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