The Four Horsemen of Capitol Hill’s Apocalypse

Mike Johnson chuck schumer Hakeem Jeffries
Yet despite their unique challenges, all four leaders’ fates will be tied to the results of this year’s midterms. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Leigh Ann Caldwell
January 4, 2026

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The 119th Congress has been particularly challenging for the leaders of both parties. In March, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer’ssupport plummeted after he failed to articulate an aggressive shutdown plan and kept Trump’s government open. House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing growing turmoil within his conference as members anxiously weigh the prospect of losing their majority—while his own political fate is tied to a president who has said he’s “done” with Congress. Meanwhile, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is still trying to prove to his caucus that he can shepherd the party into a new era during his third year on the job. And Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who has deftly navigated a largely deferential Republican conference, is about to face his biggest test yet: maintaining control of his chamber.