Sen. Charles E. Schumer, the presumed next Democratic leader in the chamber, has deep ties in the lobbying and influence sector — and a reputation for being cozy with Wall Street.

But over the next two years, as he awaits his expected promotion, the New Yorker will have to navigate around the policy divisions between the party’s populist wing and its members who are friendlier to business. And Senate observers say he is likely to keep some distance from corporate interests, especially in the banking industry.

“He represents a big, diverse state,” said Democratic lobbyist and high-dollar donor Steve Elmendorf. “In working with him for 25 years, he very aggressively represents the state of New York. Sometimes that means he’s representing one interest over another.”