Sanders Opposes Schumer’s Bid to Lead Senate Democrats

Sen. Bernie Sanders said Tuesday he would not support Sen. Chuck Schumer’s reelection as Senate Democratic leader, calling for a change in the party’s direction as Democrats prepare to take control of the chamber. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who appeared with Sanders at a Capitol news conference, said she would withhold her vote for any leadership candidate until seeing a concrete plan for governing differently.

Sanders, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats, said he had known Schumer for more than 30 years and respected his work, but believed the party needed new leadership. He urged an open debate about its priorities after Democrats’ midterm victories. Sanders has said he would support Sen. Chris Van Hollen if Van Hollen decides to run.

Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, said she was not seeking the leadership post and did not rule out eventually supporting Schumer. She said candidates should explain how they would govern differently and what they would do in their first 100 days. She also urged senators to consider withholding quorum during the leadership election if only one candidate emerged without a plan that addressed their concerns.