Democratic senators on Wednesday elected Sen. Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerSenate Democrats introduce legislation to probe politicization of pandemic response Schumer interrupted during live briefing by heckler: 'Stop lying to the people' Jacobin editor: Primarying Schumer would force him to fight Trump's SCOTUS nominee MORE (N.Y.) to replace retiring Sen. Harry Reid Harry Mason ReidThe Supreme Court vacancy — yet another congressional food fight Trump seeks to turn around campaign with Supreme Court fight On The Trail: Battle over Ginsburg replacement threatens to break Senate MORE (Nev.) as their leader.

Schumer told reporters Wednesday that one of his top priorities will be to sharpen his party’s economic message, which fell flat in several battleground states won last week by President-elect Donald Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE.

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“We needed a much sharper, bolder, stronger economic message. And we needed to let the American people understand what we believe, that the system’s not working for them. And we’re going to change it,” he said.

One of Schumer’s first acts as leader was to expand the Senate Democratic leadership team by recruiting three new members and selecting two women to serve in senior positions.

Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (I-Vt.), who exceeded expectations in the Democratic presidential primaries and carried two Rust Belt states, Michigan and Wisconsin, that Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Poll: 51 percent of voters want to abolish the electoral college MORE lost on Election Day, will become the leadership’s new chairman of outreach.

Sanders said in a statement that he will work on organizing grassroots activism around the country on behalf of progressive principles.

“Real change doesn’t take place on Capitol Hill. It takes place in grassroots America,” he said. “It takes place when millions of working people, young people and senior citizens come together to demand that our government works for all of us and not just the 1 percent.”

Schumer selected Sen. Patty Murray Patricia (Patty) Lynn MurraySenate Democrats introduce legislation to probe politicization of pandemic response Trump health officials grilled over reports of politics in COVID-19 response CDC director pushes back on Caputo claim of 'resistance unit' at agency MORE (Wash.) to serve as assistant Democratic leader, a newly created position that makes her the third-ranking member of the leadership.

And he chose Sen. Debbie Stabenow Deborah (Debbie) Ann StabenowOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Trump rollbacks could add 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions over 15 years: analysis | Intensifying natural disasters do little to move needle on climate efforts | Experts warn wildfire smoke could worsen COVID-19 GAO report finds brokers offered false info on coverage for pre-existing conditions Democrats back away from quick reversal of Trump tax cuts MORE (Mich.) to chair the Democratic Policy and Communications Center, which is in charge of coordinating the floor and messaging strategies.

Sen. Dick Durbin Richard (Dick) Joseph DurbinTumultuous court battle upends fight for Senate McConnell focuses on confirming judicial nominees with COVID-19 talks stalled Senate Republicans signal openness to working with Biden MORE (Ill.) was reelected as Senate Democratic whip but saw his job description change as he relinquished the role of assistant Democratic leader to Murray.

There was speculation throughout the 114th Congress that Murray would challenge Durbin for the whip’s job, but she didn’t want to fight him for the role, aides said.

Instead, Murray had periodic conversations with Schumer to express her interest in helping the leadership team in whatever way she could. If Schumer decided to call for a new whip, she could have filled the role, but ultimately Schumer — a former housemate of Durbin’s — decided to avoid infighting in the caucus.

Durbin aggressively rounded up support from colleagues to keep the whip’s job after it became clear that Schumer had locked up enough backing to succeed Reid.

The other two additions to the leadership team are Sen. Tammy Baldwin Tammy Suzanne BaldwinKeep teachers in the classroom Cher raised million for Biden campaign at LGBTQ-themed fundraiser Democrats seek balance in backing protests, condemning violence MORE (Wis.), who is openly gay, and Sen. Joe Manchin Joseph (Joe) ManchinThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump, GOP allies prepare for SCOTUS nomination this week Trump meets with potential Supreme Court pick Amy Coney Barrett at White House Names to watch as Trump picks Ginsburg replacement on Supreme Court MORE (W.Va.), one of the most centrist members of the Democratic conference.

Baldwin will serve as Senate Democratic Conference secretary, while Manchin will serve as vice chairman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Center.

Democrats said the expansion of the leadership team means that Schumer plans to have a more inclusive leadership style than Reid.

“The expansion of the team reflects that Chuck is going to be a much more inclusive leader. Harry kept a tight circle of advisers. Chuck’s circle is going to be bigger,” said Sen. Chris Murphy Christopher (Chris) Scott MurphyDemocratic senator calls for 'more flexible' medical supply chain to counter pandemics The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon GOP chairman to release interim report on Biden probe 'in about a week' MORE (D-Conn.).

“Adding Manchin and Sanders doesn’t give you a hint of what policy direction the caucus is heading in; it just tells you that Chuck is going to listen to a lot of people,” he added.

Schumer must still find someone to replace Sen. Jon Tester Jonathan (Jon) TesterPence seeks to boost Daines in critical Montana Senate race This World Suicide Prevention Day, let's recommit to protecting the lives of our veterans Filibuster fight looms if Democrats retake Senate MORE (Mont.) — who faces reelection in 2018 — as Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chairman in the next election cycle.

It will be a tough job, as Democrats have to defend 25 seats, including seats in GOP-leaning states such as Indiana, Montana, Missouri, North Dakota and West Virginia, in 2018.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenHarris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda Judd Gregg: The Kamala threat — the Californiaization of America GOP set to release controversial Biden report MORE (Mass.) and Mark Warner Mark Robert WarnerIntelligence chief says Congress will get some in-person election security briefings Overnight Defense: Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing l Air Force reveals it secretly built and flew new fighter jet l Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' House approves bill to secure internet-connected federal devices against cyber threats MORE (Va.), who served as policy advisers to the leadership in the 114th Congress, have been given new titles. They will serve as vice chairs of the Senate Democratic Conference.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Amy KlobucharSocial media platforms put muscle into National Voter Registration Day Battle lines drawn on precedent in Supreme Court fight Sunday shows - Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death dominates MORE (D-Minn.) will see her job description change. She served as chairwoman of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee in the 114th Congress. Her new title is chairwoman of the Steering Committee, a reflection of Schumer’s decision to put Sanders in charge of outreach.

Schumer’s election will bring to an end Reid’s 12-year tenure as Senate Democratic leader. He took over after his predecessor, Sen. Tom Daschle (S.D.), lost his seat to Sen. John Thune John Randolph ThuneSenate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Romney backs pre-election Supreme Court vote, paving way for McConnell, Trump Senate GOP faces pivotal moment on pick for Supreme Court MORE (R-S.D.).

--This report was updated at 7:24 p.m.