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 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

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.

1998: Elected to the Senate

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

1998: Wins Senate Election

In 1998, Chuck Schumer won the general election for the Senate, defeating incumbent Al D'Amato.

March 2002: Schumer Leads Effort to Protect Amendment on Voter Verification

In March 2002, as the Senate worked on an election reform bill, Schumer and Senator Ron Wyden successfully led an effort to protect an amendment allowing first-time voters to be verified with only a signature.

2004: Re-elected to Senate

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

2008: Field and Stream Honors Schumer with 'Hero Award'

In 2008, Field and Stream magazine honored Schumer with its "Hero Awards" for his efforts supporting hunters, including sponsoring legislation to provide outdoor recreation grants.

2008: Schumer receives an "A" grade on middle-class issues

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

May 2009: Schumer calls Sotomayor a mainstream justice

In May 2009, Schumer characterized Obama's Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor as a "mainstream justice," suggesting Republicans had no reason to oppose her confirmation.

2010: Re-elected to Senate

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

June 2013: Senate Passage of Immigration Reform Bill

In June 2013, the comprehensive immigration reform bill, written and sponsored by the Gang of Eight which included Schumer, passed the Senate with a 68-32 vote. However, the House of Representatives refused to take up the bill, leading to its failure.

2014: Recognition for Securing FEMA Compensation for Gowanda

In 2014, Schumer was recognized for his role in securing $700,000 in compensation from FEMA for Gowanda, New York, following the devastating 2009 flood.

November 2016: Elected Senate Minority Leader

In November 2016, Chuck Schumer was elected as the Senate Minority Leader.

2016: Re-elected to Senate

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

January 2018: Schumer announces Democratic support for net neutrality resolution

In January 2018, Schumer announced the full support of the Democratic caucus for a resolution overturning the FCC's vote on net neutrality, urging Republicans to side with consumers and small businesses.

April 2018: Schumer backs efforts to decriminalize cannabis

In April 2018, Schumer announced his support for decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level. On April 20, he announced his sponsorship of legislation to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, along with funding for women and minority-owned businesses and research into the public health effects of cannabis.

June 27, 2018: Schumer Introduces the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act

On June 27, 2018, Schumer formally introduced the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act, a bill to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act.

January 2021: Becomes Senate Majority Leader

In January 2021, Chuck Schumer became the Senate Majority Leader, marking the first time a Jewish person has held the position in U.S. history. He shepherded key legislative initiatives, and confirmed the most federal judges during the first two years of any presidency since John F. Kennedy.