Bernie Sanders says he won't back Schumer as push for new leadership gains steam

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.Bernie Sanders slammed the Democratic Party establishment and "liberal elites" while speaking on the podcast.

(FLAGRANT YouTube channel)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 HILLSanders and Slotkin join many Senate newcomers in opposing Schumer's re-election, including the likes of Senators-elect Adam Hamilton and Troy Jackson.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks during a press conference at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters on Nov.

4, 2026, in Washington, D.C.(Tom Brenner/Getty Images)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,...