Democrats in the New York state Senate are seeking to oust the chamber’s Republican leader after his arrest on federal corruption charges.

The lawmakers say they will use a procedural move Wednesday to force a vote on removing Dean Skelos of Long Island as Senate majority leader.

The effort to oust Skelos will probably fail, as Republicans hold the majority in the Senate.

Skelos faces charges that he traded his influence for more than $200,000 in payments from a real estate firm and an environmental technology business to his son, Adam, who is also charged in the case. Skelos and his son have said they are innocent.

Senate Republicans have said they want to keep Skelos on as their leader, though there are signs that support may be wavering.

(AP)