Senate Democrats are showing real cracks against Chuck Schumer's leadership, a sign that the party's old guard may finally get pushed out after their recent election wins.

Chris Van Hollen said he's "in listening mode" and open to challenging Schumer for Senate leader, after getting flooded with calls urging him to run. He's seen as someone who can unite both the progressive base and moderate Democrats, while Schumer is viewed as out of step with the party on Israel, big tech, and Wall Street ties.

Other senators are piling on: Richard Blumenthal said the party needs "new energy," and Cory Booker and Elissa Slotkin signaled they also want new leadership. Schumer is seen as more vulnerable than House leader Hakeem Jeffries, partly because Schumer likely can't win a future primary anyway, making him less able to punish defectors.

In the House, progressives have more leverage on paper but are mostly folding, with the Congressional Progressive Caucus leaning toward backing Jeffries in exchange for vague promises rather than real demands. Newer Democrats from swing and red-leaning districts are taking a harder line, since voting like a party loyalist could cost them their seats in two years.

Outlook: Expect growing pressure on Schumer to step aside, while Jeffries looks safer for now unless more rank-and-file Democrats start demanding concrete concessions.