Early Life and Education of Chuck Schumer: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Chuck Schumer. A timeline of key moments.

Chuck Schumer is the senior United States Senator from New York, serving since 1999. A Democrat, he has led the Senate Democratic Caucus since 2017, serving as Senate Majority Leader from 2021 to 2025. He has also served as Senate Minority Leader. Schumer became New York's senior senator in 2001 and is currently the longest-serving U.S. Senator from New York, having been elected to a fifth term in 2022. He is the dean of New York's congressional delegation.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

November 23, 1950: Chuck Schumer Born

On November 23, 1950, Charles Ellis Schumer was born. He is an American politician who has served as the senior United States senator from New York since 1999.

1967: Graduated from High School

In 1967, Schumer graduated as the valedictorian of James Madison High School after scoring 1600 on the SAT.

1968: Switched Major

In 1968, Schumer volunteered on Eugene McCarthy's presidential campaign and changed his major from chemistry to social studies.

1971: Graduated from Harvard College

In 1971, Schumer graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard College.

1974: Graduated from Harvard Law School

In 1974, Schumer earned his Juris Doctor with honors from Harvard Law School.

1975: Passed New York State Bar

In early 1975, Schumer passed the New York state bar, but chose not to practice law.

September 21, 1980: Married Iris Weinshall

On September 21, 1980, Chuck Schumer married Iris Weinshall. The ceremony took place at Windows on the World atop the north tower of the World Trade Center.

1983: Redistricting

In 1983, Schumer's congressional district was redistricted to the 10th congressional district.

1983: Redistricting Changes District Number

In 1983, Schumer's district was renumbered to the 10th congressional district due to redistricting.

1993: Redistricting Changes District Number Again

In 1993, Schumer's district was renumbered again to the 9th congressional district due to redistricting.

April 2009: Approval Rating

In April 2009, a SurveyUSA poll placed Schumer's approval rating at 62%, with 31% disapproving.

2010: Schumer Denies Owning a Handgun

During a debate during his 2010 reelection campaign, Schumer denied owning a handgun or having a permit for one. He produced a letter from the NYPD stating that neither he nor his wife, Iris Weinshall, has a handgun license from NYC.

2011: Schumer's neighborhood opposes bike path

In 2011, Chuck Schumer was reported to have joined a group of neighbors on his street in Park Slope, Brooklyn who attempted to remove a new "parking-protected" bicycle path on their street. Schumer's wife, Iris Weinshall, is a prominent opponent of the project, and Schumer has reportedly lobbied against the bike path behind the scenes.

2015: Expected to Lead Senate Democrats

In 2015, Schumer was widely expected to lead Senate Democrats after Reid announced his retirement.

2016: Analysis of Democratic Party Loss

After the 2016 United States presidential election, Schumer stated that the Democratic Party lost due to not having "a strong, bold economic message", and called for reforms in the affordability of college and trade laws.