Sanders breaks with Schumer to demand new Senate leadership
The Vermont independent and Michigan's Elissa Slotkin said Tuesday that Democrats need a new direction before voting for a majority leader.
By Simon Bennett ·
Sen. Bernie Sanders announced Tuesday that he will not support Sen. Chuck Schumer for re-election as Senate Democratic leader. This decision forces the party to select a new majority leader for the 119th Congress, a process that was previously assumed to be a formality. The move creates an immediate leadership contest within the caucus following the party's strong performance in the midterm elections.
The split between the two senior Democrats stems from a desire for a generational shift. Sanders, an independent from Vermont, and Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan held a joint news conference at the Capitol to explain their stance. They argued that the party requires a vigorous debate about its future priorities rather than a return to the same leadership structure. Slotkin stated that she is not actively seeking the position herself but wants to see candidates present full plans for the new majority.
"The time is now for change," Sanders said. "And I will not be supporting Chuck to be reelected as the Democratic leader." Slotkin added that she remains undecided until she sees a concrete strategy from potential contenders. "I'm a no until and unless I see that from anyone," she said.
The push for change gained momentum as Democrats won Republican-held seats in states including Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina. These victories expanded the party's progressive wing, which has pressured congressional offices with calls for new leadership. Sanders and Slotkin mentioned Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland as a potential candidate for the role. However, they did not pledge their support to him. Van Hollen is currently weighing a bid and has begun contacting colleagues to gauge interest.
"I am in the process right now of calling my colleagues," Van Hollen said at a Washington event on Tuesday. Schumer, who is 75, has shown few signs of stepping aside after leading his party to power. He expressed confidence in his position during a statement at the Capitol. "I’m confident I will be elected," Schumer said. He told the Associated Press that his focus is on the work ahead rather than the leadership race.
The Senate Democratic caucus is expected to vote on its new leader later this month. Republicans are already meeting behind closed doors on Tuesday to select their own party leaders for the next Congress. The Democratic leadership election will determine who controls the legislative agenda in the upper chamber for the coming two years.
