Chuck Schumer's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Chuck Schumer. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1967: Graduated from High School

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

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.

1974: Elected to the New York State Assembly

In 1974, Schumer was elected to the New York State Assembly, taking the seat previously held by Stephen Solarz.

1980: Won Election to the House

In 1980, Schumer won election to Elizabeth Holtzman's vacated House seat.

1998: Elected to the Senate

In 1998, Schumer was elected to the Senate after defeating Republican incumbent Al D'Amato.

1998: Won the Democratic Primary

In 1998, Schumer won the Democratic primary with 51% of the vote against Geraldine Ferraro and Mark Green.

2004: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2004, Schumer was re-elected to the Senate with 71% of the vote.

2006: Democratic gains in the Senate

In the 2006 elections, the Democratic Party gained seats in the Senate while Schumer chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

2008: Schumer receives "A" grade

In 2008, Chuck Schumer received an "A" grade on the Drum Major Institute's Congressional Scorecard on middle-class issues.

2008: Field and Stream Magazine Honors Schumer

In 2008, Field and Stream magazine honored Schumer in its "Hero Awards" for his efforts supporting hunters, including sponsoring legislation to provide millions in outdoor recreation grants to landowners who allow hunting and fishing on their private property.

2008: Democratic gains in the Senate

In the 2008 elections, the Democratic Party gained seats in the Senate while Schumer chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

2010: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2010, Schumer was re-elected to the Senate with 66% of the vote.

June 2013: Senate passage of immigration reform bill

In June 2013, an immigration bill, written and sponsored by Schumer and a bipartisan group of senators, passed the Senate with a strong majority. However, the House of Representatives refused to take up the bill, and the legislation died.

November 2016: Elected Senate Minority Leader

In November 2016, Schumer was elected Senate minority leader.

2016: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2016, Schumer was re-elected to the Senate with 70% of the vote.

2016: Won Fourth Term in the Senate

In 2016, Schumer won his fourth term in the Senate and was elected Democratic leader.

August 2018: Announcing Senate passage of funding for firefighter cancer registry

In August 2018, Schumer announced that the Senate had passed $1 million in FY2019 funding for the national firefighter cancer registry as an amendment to the upcoming FY2019 Health and Human Services minibus appropriations bill.