Sanders Breaks With Schumer, Says Democrats Need New Senate Leader

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said Tuesday that he will not support Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York for Democratic leader in the next Congress, making him the most prominent progressive to oppose Schumer's bid so far, according to CBS News.

The announcement comes weeks before Senate Democrats choose their leadership, which they are expected to do in early December. No candidate has stepped forward to challenge Schumer, who has led the caucus since 2017.

What Sanders said

Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, spoke at a news conference at the Capitol. He said he has known Schumer for over 30 years, likes him and considers him a hard worker, but argued that it is time for a change. He described the midterm elections as a vote for a new and bolder direction for the Democratic Party and called for a vigorous debate about where the party goes next.

Sanders is in line to chair the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, NBC News reported, which gives his opposition added weight inside the caucus.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan appeared alongside him. She said she is not actively seeking the leadership job but wants change, and that anyone who wants her vote must present a concrete plan, including how they would put money in people's pockets during their first 100 days. Until she sees one, she said, she is a no.

What Schumer and his supporters say

Schumer told reporters he is confident he will be elected majority leader. He said the caucus is united around bringing down costs, ending corruption and chaos, and ending the war, and that he would be proud to lead it.

NBC News reported that some Democrats credit Schumer with the party's election gains. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona compared the situation to a manager who takes a team to the World Series and deserves a new contract. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, a former and returning senator, answered a question about backing Schumer with a simple yes.

According to NBC News, Schumer led his party to a net pickup of at least seven Senate seats, with Mississippi and Alaska still counting votes. The network described him as the clear favorite until a challenger emerges and gains traction.

Where Van Hollen and the newcomers stand

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has come closest to entering the race, CBS News reported. He said he is calling colleagues and has not shut the door, adding that the party should not have a coronation. He stopped short of calling for Schumer to step aside, according to The Guardian.

The Guardian reported that several incoming Democratic senators have voiced a desire for new leadership. They include Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, Adam Hamilton of Kansas, Annie Andrews of South Carolina, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, Troy Jackson of Maine and Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota.

What this means for the next Congress

The leader sets much of the caucus's agenda and strategy, so the vote will shape how Democrats approach the coming two-year session. Schumer needs a majority of the caucus to win another term, according to NBC News.

Sanders also weighed in on policy. Asked whether he favors abolishing the filibuster, he said he had not reached an answer, citing reasons to support doing so as well as concern for minority rights. He said he believes Democrats can accomplish a great deal with a major budget reconciliation bill.

The calls for new leadership have grown louder since 2024, The Guardian reported, and the party's midterm wins have renewed the push. Whether that energy produces a challenger before the early December vote is not yet clear.

Around Prague, based on reporting by CBS News, The Guardian, NBC News

Cover photo: Jackson Lanier / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped

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