Bernie Sanders refuses to back Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic leader

Senator Bernie Sanders announced on Tuesday that he will not support Senator Chuck Schumer’s re‑election as Democratic majority leader in the new Congress.

Speaking at a news conference on the Capitol alongside Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Sanders said a new generation of leadership is required and that “the time is now for change”. He added that he will not be backing Schumer for the role.

Slotkin, who is not herself seeking the position, said she will not endorse any candidate until she sees a comprehensive plan outlining the priorities for the Democratic majority.

The challenge to Schumer comes as Democrats have swept many Republican‑held Senate seats in the recent mid‑term elections, including gains in Texas, Kansas and South Carolina. Progressive senators have been urging a leadership contest, mentioning Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland as a possible contender, though no formal support has been pledged.

Schumer, 75, said he remains confident of being elected leader and stressed that the focus must be on “getting things done” in the coming year.

While Republicans meet privately to choose their own leaders, Senate Democrats have only just begun internal discussions ahead of upcoming elections.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Ramaz Bluashvili / Pexels.