1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

What happened on Tuesday was historic. People all across the country have spoken loudly and clearly: we embrace democracy and reject oligarchy. The Democratic leadership in the United States Congress must do the same. Although the final number of seats is not yet determined, we know that both the House and the Senate will be filled with new Democratic representatives and senators, none of whom have had a voice in selecting their party’s leadership. Now is the time for that leadership to show they truly understand democracy. Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries should not only welcome but encourage an open contest for Senate Majority Leader and Speaker of the House, allowing anyone who is interested in the job to make the case to their colleagues for their vision of leadership and their priorities for the 120th Congress. If Schumer and Jeffries wish to run, they should. If they win that election, they will come out stronger than ever. If their colleagues select someone else to lead them, they should respect that decision. Rather than send a message of division, an open contest — which would allow people across the country to let their representatives know their own choice as well — would send a message of strength and unity and tell the world that democracy is back.