Time for change: Bernie Sanders won’t support Schumer as Senate Democratic leader

Sanders calls for new leadership

At a Capitol news conference Tuesday, Sanders, an independent from Vermont, said he would oppose Schumer’s bid to remain Democratic leader. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan joined him in calling for a new generation of leaders and a serious discussion about the party’s future.

Sanders said, “The time is now for change,” and added that he would not back Schumer for reelection. Slotkin said she is not actively pursuing the position, but wants prospective leaders to lay out a full agenda for the new majority.

Pressure builds after Senate wins

The leadership dispute follows Democratic victories across the Senate map, including in Texas, Kansas and South Carolina. Schumer recruited candidates who helped secure the majority, among them Sen.-elect Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Sen.-elect Roy Cooper in North Carolina.

Schumer’s preferred candidates lost primaries in Michigan and Maine, where progressive candidates won their party’s nominations and then prevailed in the general election. Progressive activists have since urged congressional offices to support new leadership.

Van Hollen weighs a challenge

Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed and other progressives have promoted Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland as a possible contender. Van Hollen has previously said he is considering a presidential run in 2028 and is now also weighing a bid for Senate leader.

Schumer retains allies

Schumer, 75, has given little indication that he plans to step down after leading Democrats to a majority. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, defended him Tuesday and said the caucus was grateful for his work.

Asked about his future shortly after the election, Schumer told The Associated Press that he was focused on the year ahead. Senate Democrats have begun leadership discussions, while elections are expected later this month; Republicans met privately Tuesday to select their leaders for the next Congress.