Senate Democrats begin postmortem of election debacle, look for path forward

Sen. Charles E. Schumer, who is poised to become the minority leader in the upper chamber, said Senate Democrats will be conducting a postmortem of their election defeat and devising a path forward for the party.

The New York Democrat said that his members were still digesting the unexpected outcome of the election but a top priority would be to “heal the bitter wounds of the campaign.”

“This was a divisive and hard-fought election, and the outcome surprised many Americans from both political parties,” Mr. Schumer said. “It is time for the country to come together. Senate Democrats will spend the coming days and weeks reflecting on these results, hearing from the American people, and charting a path forward to achieve our shared goals and to defend our values.”

Senate Democrats made an aggressive play to capture control of the chamber, but Republican managed to hold on to a narrow majority, aided by a surge of support behind President-elect Donald Trump’s upset victory over Hillary Clinton.

Mr. Schumer said that he congratulated Mr. Trump on his win when the president-elect called Wednesday morning, adding that he also extended congratulations to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan.

“Last night the American people exercised their sacred right to vote and made their voices known, electing Donald Trump to the presidency, and returning Republican majorities to both Houses of Congress,” Mr. Schumer said. “I also want to offer special thanks to my dear friend Hillary Clinton for her hard-fought campaign, and thank her for her incredible service to this country. She is a remarkable woman whose service is a beacon to all of us, and I know she will continue to serve the country well.”