Sanders backs new Senate leader, challenging Schumer for control

Sen. Bernie Sanders announced on Tuesday that he will not support Sen. Chuck Schumer for the position of Senate Democratic leader in the upcoming Congress. Sanders made the declaration at a news conference in Washington, D.C., stating that a change in leadership is necessary after the party secured power in the recent midterm elections.

The Vermont independent was joined by Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan during the briefing. The two lawmakers argued that the party requires a new generation of leaders and a robust debate regarding its future direction. Several incoming Democratic senators have already indicated they will support a candidate other than Schumer, signaling strong momentum for a leadership challenge.

Sanders, often credited with shaping modern progressivism, emphasized the urgency of the moment. “The time is now for change,” he said. “And I will not be supporting Chuck to be reelected as the Democratic leader.” Slotkin, who stated she is not actively seeking the role herself, said she wants to see potential leaders present a comprehensive plan for the new majority.

“I'm a no until and unless I see that from anyone,” Slotkin said. The push for new leadership follows a strong performance by Democrats in the Senate races, where the party flipped Republican-held seats in Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina. Schumer recruited high-profile candidates like Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Roy Cooper in North Carolina, but his preferred choices lost primaries in Michigan and Maine to progressive opponents.

Progressive members are currently pushing for Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland to run for the leadership position. Van Hollen, who has previously considered a 2028 presidential bid, said he is in the process of contacting colleagues. “I am in the process right now of calling my colleagues,” he noted at an event in Washington. Meanwhile, Schumer, 75, has shown few signs of stepping down. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand defended the New York senator, stating that the caucus is grateful for his work.

Schumer expressed confidence in his position. “I’m confident I will be elected,” he told reporters at the Capitol. In an interview with the Associated Press, he added that the focus must remain on getting things done. While Republicans met on Tuesday to select their leadership, Democrats are just beginning their internal conversations, with leadership elections expected later this month.