The debate over who should become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee is causing a split among New York’s two senators — Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, The Post has learned.
Schumer, the newly-elected Democratic leader in the Senate, endorsed Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison.
Sources said Schumer’s backing of Ellison was a nod to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Democratic socialist who ran a strong primary challenge against losing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Ellison backed Sanders in the primary.
But Gillibrand, the junior senator, has declined to back Ellison.
“She thinks the decision is up to the DNC members,” a Gillibrand spokesman said.
Ellison would become the first Muslim DNC chair.
His candidacy has come under fire for his past support of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and criticism of the Jewish state.