An op-ed published over the weekend painted a bleak political outlook for Democrats heading into next year’s midterms.

The op-ed by conservative commentator and former Wall Street executive follows Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s last week to deny Republicans enough votes to keep the government open and funded at current levels.

Writing in The Hill, Peek blamed the shutdown squarely on Schumer, noting that it “highlights three weaknesses undermining the Democratic Party as we head toward next year’s midterm elections.”

For one, she notes, Democratic Party leadership continues to face pressure from its progressive wing, which has gained significant influence over the party’s agenda. Schumer is reportedly wary of a potential primary challenge from New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a dynamic that observers say may be shaping some of his recent political decisions.

“Second, President Trump has pushed Democrats to burrow into their far-left rabbit holes by occupying the all-powerful center,” Peek added. “Third, Democrats are pushing endlessly to spend more money; voters think that’s a mistake.”

Schumer is facing renewed pressure from within his party following backlash over his decision earlier this year to work with Republicans to avert a government shutdown. The move angered many Democrats, who accused him of conceding too much in negotiations, she says.

In the weeks that followed, some progressive activists and lawmakers called for Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to mount a primary challenge against Schumer in the 2028 Senate race, Peek noted.

Polling from the left-leaning firm Data for Progress conducted after the March spending vote indicated growing dissatisfaction among Democratic voters. The survey found that Schumer had the lowest favorability rating among prominent New York Democrats and that he trailed Ocasio-Cortez by 19 points in a hypothetical primary matchup, the conservative analyst went on

Once known for his opposition to government shutdowns, Schumer now appears to be taking a more hardline stance, a shift that some political analysts attribute to pressure from his party’s progressive wing, she noted, adding:

Schumer is not the only moderate Democrat looking over his shoulder. In an August interview with Fox News, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said, “The only Democrats out there that are resonating and getting money are the socialists.”