Sen. Bernie Sanders announced he will not back Chuck Schumer for majority leader, calling for new Senate leadership after midterm wins.
Sen. Bernie Sanders announced Tuesday that he won’t support Sen. Chuck Schumer to serve as Senate majority leader in the new Congress, pushing for a leadership change after the party’s midterm victories.
Sanders, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with the Democrats, made the announcement at a news conference at the Capitol, NBC News reported. Sanders said he has known Schumer for over 30 years and praised him as a hard worker, but insisted the party needs new leadership.
The challenge follows the midterm elections, in which Democrats won Senate control and secured at least 54 seats heading into the 120th Congress in January.
Calls for a new direction
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin stood with Sanders at the press conference and said she isn’t seeking the post herself, but wants candidates to present clear priorities. According to CBS News, Slotkin said contenders must explain how they plan to govern differently, deliver economic help within their first 100 days, and improve communication, adding that she’s a no unless a candidate offers that plan.
Progressive advocates have bombarded congressional offices with phone calls demanding fresh leadership, PBS NewsHour reported. Some incoming senators haven’t committed to Schumer, and progressives, including Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed, are encouraging Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen to mount a challenge.
Van Hollen, who previously said he is considering a 2028 presidential campaign, confirmed Tuesday that he is actively calling colleagues about a potential run for leader. He told reporters that the party shouldn’t hold a coronation and must establish a clear plan before picking its leader.
Schumer defends his position
Schumer, 75, has led Senate Democrats for 10 years and said he intends to stay on. He told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that the caucus remains united around lowering costs and ending corruption, adding that he feels confident he will be elected majority leader.
Supporters credit Schumer with steering the party to a net gain of at least seven Senate seats, flipping Republican-held seats in Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, defended Schumer’s record, stating that the caucus is grateful for his work.
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego also backed Schumer. “When the manager takes you to the World Series, you give them another contract,” Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., told reporters. Returning Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown also confirmed his support for Schumer.
Despite those successes, critics pointed to Schumer’s recruitment record. While his recruits won in Ohio and North Carolina, where Roy Cooper secured a seat, his preferred candidates lost primaries in Maine and Michigan to progressive contenders who went on to win the general elections.
Filibuster debate and election timeline
Sanders, who is in line to chair the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, also discussed the party’s legislative agenda. Asked if he supports eliminating the filibuster to let Democrats pass legislation without Republican support, Sanders said he hasn’t reached a final decision because he worries about protecting minority rights. He pointed to budget reconciliation as a tool Democrats can use to pass major tax and spending measures on their own.
Across the aisle, Senate Republicans moved swiftly on Tuesday, re-electing South Dakota Sen. John Thune as their leader after opponents failed to find a challenger.
News outlets gave differing accounts of when Senate Democrats will vote on their leadership. While NBC News reported that the election won’t happen until next month, CBS News reported it is expected in early December, and PBS NewsHour reported that the vote is expected later this month. Schumer needs support from a majority of the caucus to retain his post.
