Bernie Sanders opposes Schumer for Senate majority leader

Sen. Bernie Sanders said Tuesday that he will not support Sen. Chuck Schumer for re-election as Democratic majority leader in the new Congress. The announcement sets up a direct challenge to the New York senator's authority following the party's recent midterm victory. Sanders spoke at a news conference at the Capitol alongside Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan.

Sanders, who serves as an independent aligned with Democrats, described the moment as a necessary shift. "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 running for the position herself, emphasized the need for a concrete strategy. "I'm a no until and unless I see that from anyone," she said, referring to a full plan for the party's priorities.

The push for new leadership follows a strong showing by Democrats in the Senate. The party flipped Republican-held seats in states including Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina. Schumer recruited prominent candidates who helped secure the majority, including Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Roy Cooper in North Carolina. However, progressive candidates won primaries in Michigan and Maine against Schumer's preferred choices. Those progressive candidates then won their general elections.

Progressive members of the party have been urging a change in direction. Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed and other colleagues have raised support for Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland as a potential alternative. Van Hollen, who has previously considered a presidential bid for 2028, is now weighing a run for Senate leader. "I am in the process right now of calling my colleagues," Van Hollen said at an event in Washington on Tuesday.

Schumer, 75, has indicated he intends to stay in the role. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, defended Schumer's tenure. "This caucus is grateful for the work of Senator Schumer," she said on Tuesday. Schumer himself expressed confidence in his position. "I'm confident I will be elected," he told reporters at the Capitol.

When asked about his future in an interview with the Associated Press, Schumer said his attention is on the work ahead. "The focus has got to be on getting things done," he said. Republicans met behind closed doors on Tuesday to select their party leaders for the next Congress. Democrats have just begun their own internal discussions. Senate elections for the leadership position are expected to take place later this month.