Senate Democrats elect new leadership team amid a slim GOP majority in Congress

Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The Senate Democrats on Tuesday picked among its ranks a new team to lead the minority party to balance the GOP's looming "trifecta" control of the White House and both House and Senate chambers.

Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York will stay in his leadership role -- but now as the new minority leader -- for a fifth term. And, likewise, remaining as Democratic whip will be Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois.

In a statement, Schumer, 74, said he was "honored" and "humbled" to be picked again "during this crucial period for our country."

"Our caucus has led the way in passing historic legislation that has improved the lives of millions of Americans and we remain laser focused on addressing the most pressing challenges facing our country," it read in part.

The full leadership slate was unanimously approved at a closed-door Senate conference meeting, Roll Call reported Tuesday.

Two former 2020 presidential candidates will move up in the ranks too.

Getting bumped into the No. 4 role as chair of the Strategic Communications Committee is Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota will replace Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow as chair of the Senate's Steering and Policy Committee.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues to chart our path forward and ensure the policies we are fighting for in Washington reflect what the American people want and need," Klobuchar said in a statement. "This is the time to find common ground when we can, and stand our ground where we must."

Joining them as the two vice-chairs of the conference are Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Mark Warner of Virginia.

However, both Klobuchar and Booker had their eyes set on the role Klobuchar won, Politico reported Monday.

Come January the Senate Republicans are expected to hold 53 seats versus the Democrats' virtual 47 which include the addition of Independent lawmakers like Vermont's Sen. Bernie Sanders who caucus with Democrats.

Sanders was chosen as chair of outreach with Nevada's Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto will be outreach vice chair. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin will be the senate conference secretary with two deputy secretaries Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy.

Meanwhile, Sen Kirsten Gillibrand of New York was expected to be chosen as chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, otherwise known as the DSCC.

Last month the Senate GOP elected Sen. John Thune of South Dakota to take over for the aging Sen. Mitch McConnell, 82, who clung to his position for a record number of years.

Per the constitution, then-Vice President JD Vance will be a tiebreaker vote should the need arise in what likely will be a guaranteed yes vote either way for the incoming Trump administration.

"As I have long said, our preference is to secure bipartisan solutions wherever possible and look for ways to collaborate with our Republican colleagues to help working families," Schumer said Tuesday in his statement.

"However, our Republican colleagues should make no mistake about it, we will always stand up for our values," he added.