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 a prominent American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator from New York since 1999. A leading figure in the Democratic Party, he has held significant leadership positions, including Senate Majority Leader (2021-2025) and Senate Minority Leader (2017-2021 and since 2025). Schumer became New York's senior senator in 2001 and is now the longest-serving U.S. Senator from New York, having been elected to a fifth term in 2022. He is also 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: Charles Schumer's Birth

On November 23, 1950, Charles Ellis Schumer was born. He is an American politician who has been serving as a United States Senator from New York since 1999.

1967: Graduates from High School

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

1968: Volunteers on Eugene McCarthy's Campaign

In 1968, Chuck Schumer volunteered on Eugene McCarthy's presidential campaign, which influenced his decision to switch his major at Harvard College.

1971: Graduates from Harvard College

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

1974: Graduates from Harvard Law School

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

1975: Passes NY State Bar

In early 1975, Chuck Schumer passed the New York state bar but chose a career in politics instead of practicing law.

September 21, 1980: Marriage to Iris Weinshall

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

April 2009: Approval Rating

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

2011: Schumer's neighborhood opposes bike path

In 2011, Schumer's neighbors in Park Slope 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 it behind the scenes.

May 2013: Daughter Becomes Chief of Staff of Council of Economic Advisers

In May 2013, Chuck Schumer's daughter, Jessica, became the chief of staff and general counsel of the Council of Economic Advisers.

August 2015: Daughter leaves as Chief of Staff of Council of Economic Advisers

In August 2015, Chuck Schumer's daughter, Jessica, left her position as the chief of staff and general counsel of the Council of Economic Advisers.

2018: Became a Grandfather

In 2018, Chuck Schumer became a grandfather when his daughter, Jessica, gave birth to a son.

November 21, 2023: Broadway Debut in Gutenberg! The Musical!

On November 21, 2023, Chuck Schumer made his Broadway debut, performing in a one-night show as the Producer in Gutenberg! The Musical!.

February 2025: DOJ launches investigation

In February 2025, interim U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C. Ed Martin announced that the Department of Justice was launching an investigation into the matter.