Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is warning that Democrats could lose their bid to retake the Senate because Republicans could “steal the election” or overwhelm Democrats with what he called “obscene amounts of money.”

Schumer made the comments Wednesday as he assessed the Democratic Party’s chances of taking back the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that the race is essentially tied.

“It’s 50-50. We’re right on the edge of winning,” Schumer said. “Two things could have us lose. One, they steal the election. The second thing is money. They have obscene amounts of money.”

Schumer’s warning about Republicans potentially “steal[ing] the election” echoes a familiar accusation Democrats have made against Republicans in recent years, particularly surrounding concerns about election administration and voting rights.

Democrats, including Schumer himself, have repeatedly accused President Trump and Republicans of threatening election integrity. Earlier this year, Schumer and Senate Democrats launched an “Election Protection Task Force” focused on what they described as threats to the 2026 midterm elections. The Democratic Senate Caucus said at the time that Republicans were waging an “assault on free and fair elections.”

Schumer is now using similarly stark language to describe what could happen if Democrats fail to win the Senate, saying that Republican election interference is one of only two things he believes could prevent his party from taking control.

He also pointed to the enormous amount of money being spent by Republicans as another potential obstacle. Schumer said Democrats do not necessarily need to outspend Republicans, but need enough money to respond to Republican advertising and attacks.

Republicans have indeed built a substantial financial operation heading into the midterms. Recent reporting has highlighted significant Republican spending and fundraising advantages in several competitive races, while Democratic leaders have also been raising and deploying substantial sums of their own.

The spending complaint comes as both parties pour money into Senate battlegrounds across the country. Republican Senate campaign chairman Sen. Tim Scott has emphasized the importance of fundraising and outside spending as Republicans work to defend their majority.

Schumer’s comments also come as he attempts to rally Democrats around the possibility of retaking the chamber. He described the Senate contest as a “50-50” fight and argued that Democrats have strong candidates and a favorable political environment, while acknowledging that Republican financial resources could make the contest more difficult.

For Republicans, Schumer’s remarks provide a notable reversal in the political debate over election claims. Democrats have frequently criticized Republicans for raising concerns about election integrity, yet the Democratic leader himself is now warning that Republicans could “steal” the election if his party falls short in November.

Schumer did not provide evidence in his remarks that Republicans were planning to unlawfully interfere with any election.