New York’s two U.S. senators say Democrats’ victories in Tuesday’s midterm elections come with an obligation to lower household costs, expand access to health care and hold President Donald Trump’s administration accountable.
Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand outlined those priorities in separate interviews after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. The Associated Press called the Senate on election night and the House early Wednesday, securing Democratic majorities for the next Congress.
Both senators argued that voters responded to candidates focused on affordability. They called for ending the war in Iran, which they blamed for higher fuel prices, and reversing tariffs they said were increasing costs for families and businesses.
Lower costs lead the agenda
Speaking on MS NOW’s “Morning Joe,” Schumer said Democrats would focus on household expenses, including health care, electricity, gasoline and diesel.
He credited Democratic candidates with delivering a consistent economic message while tailoring their campaigns to their states. But he said winning elections created a responsibility to follow through.
“The burden is on us to produce,” Schumer said.
Gillibrand, who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, delivered a similar message during a Thursday appearance on NPR’s “Morning Edition”.
Asked whether Democrats would pursue another impeachment of Trump, she instead emphasized household expenses and health coverage. She called for strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, improving access to prescription medicines and addressing hearing and dental care.
Gillibrand also said Democrats should reverse policies that reduced access to health care and food assistance.
Those priorities connect with issues raised locally before the election. As FingerLakes1 reported after Schumer’s October visit to the Port of Oswego, businesses described lost opportunities, layoffs and higher construction and supply costs while supporting his push to roll back tariffs.
Sterling House Farm, which has land in Cayuga and St. Lawrence counties, reported that rising lumber costs complicated construction of a greenhouse in Sterling.
The Trump administration has defended its tariffs as a way to protect American producers and encourage domestic investment.
Oversight remains a priority
Both senators said Democrats could pursue investigations while working to lower costs.
Schumer said the administration should face scrutiny, accusing Trump of corruption and arguing that concerns about his conduct extended beyond Democratic voters. Still, he said affordability should remain the party’s first focus.
Gillibrand proposed restrictions on stock trading by members of Congress and senior administration officials. She also raised concerns about cryptocurrency transactions and officials using inside information for personal gain.
She accused the administration of putting the president’s interests and those of wealthy allies ahead of families’ needs.
Her answers did not commit to another impeachment effort. Instead, she repeatedly returned to health care, prices and restoring services she said the administration had undermined.
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Trump’s veto power presents a test
Both senators were asked how Democrats could advance their agenda with Trump still in the White House and threatening vetoes.
Schumer said Republican lawmakers would have to decide whether the election results warranted changing course. He argued that their support for Trump’s policies contributed to their losses, while saying Democrats would move ahead with their agenda regardless.
Gillibrand said Democrats should seek bipartisan legislation restoring health coverage and making prescription medicines more affordable, then force Trump to decide whether to reject it.
“I dare him to veto that,” she said.
She argued that blocking measures aimed at lowering costs or improving health coverage could carry consequences for Republicans in the 2028 elections.
Gillibrand also said the scope of Democrats’ Senate gains exceeded her expectations. She had hoped to win four seats and said the party was positioned to pick up nine — a projection she offered as counting continued.
Both senators credited candidates who connected with voters in Republican-leaning states and said the incoming majority would be judged on its ability to deliver.
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