Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., says he will not support Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to serve as Senate majority leader once Democrats take control over the chamber next year.
Sanders was complimentary of Schumer, but said at a news conference on Tuesday that he believes « the time is now » for change in Democratic leadership.
« I personally have known Chuck Schumer for over 30 years, and I like Chuck. [There’s] nobody who works harder than Chuck Schumer. But in my view, the time is now for change, and I will not be supporting Chuck to be re-elected as the Democratic leader, » Sanders said at a news conference.
CHUCK SCHUMER AFTER SWEEPING DEMOCRATIC MIDTERM VICTORIES: ‘I’LL BE RE-ELECTED AS MAJORITY LEADER’
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., joined Sanders at the Tuesday news conference and said she also will not be supporting Schumer. Neither have backed a specific candidate to replace Schumer, however.
« I am not actively seeking this job. I am seeking change, » Slotkin said. « I’ve been very consistent for a very long time that we need a new generation of leadership…. It’s important to demonstrate that we’ve heard what people want from this last election. »
THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ON CAPITOL HILL
Sanders and Slotkin join many Senate newcomers in opposing Schumer’s re-election, including the likes of Senators-elect Adam Hamilton and Troy Jackson.
A number of the more left-wing Democrats favor Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., for the new leader.
SCHUMER DUCKS QUESTION ON CAMPAIGNING WITH SOCIALIST CANDIDATE WHO REFUSES TO BACK HIM AS LEADER
« I’ve said very clearly that we need to have a discussion in the Democratic caucus, » Van Hollen said during an appearance at Crooked Con over the weekend.
« We need to understand what the Democrats are going to do with this new responsibility and these new powers, » he continued. « And that nobody should get a blank check without a full understanding from the caucus as to where we’re going to go. »
And Van Hollen, who has previously said his focus was more on « kicking the tires » on a run for higher office in 2028, is reportedly mulling a bid for Schumer’s job, according to Politico.
Fox News’ Alex Miller contributed to this report.
Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bernie-sanders-wont-back-schumer-push-new-leadership-gains-steam
Author :
Publish date : 2026-11-11 15:41:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
