Bernie Sanders won't support Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic leader, saying it's time for change

Résumé détaillé

Bernie Sanders and Elissa Slotkin say Democrats need a new generation of leadership and won't back Schumer for Senate leader, while Chris Van Hollen of Maryland is emerging as a possible challenger.

Senator Bernie Sanders has said that he would not be supporting Senator Chuck Schumer as the Democratic majority leader in the new Congress, setting up a seismic confrontation after the party’s sweep to power in the midterm elections.

Sanders was joined by Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan at a news conference at the Capitol on Tuesday, and together they said there needs to be a new generation of leadership and a vigorous debate about the party's direction and future.

"The time is now for change," said Sanders, the independent from Vermont and essentially the father of modern progressivism in the US. "And I will not be supporting Chuck to be reelected as the Democratic leader."

Slotkin, who said she is not actively seeking the job herself, explained that she wants to see potential Senate leaders present a full plan about the priorities for the new majority.

The showdown has been building as Democrats marched across the Senate map to flip Republican-held seats far beyond those that were initially competitive, including in Texas, Kansas and South Carolina.

Democrats, particularly in the party’s progressive wing, have been bombarding congressional offices with phone calls saying it is time for new leadership.

They mentioned Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland as a potential contender, but they did not pledge support to him. Van Hollen is considering a run and it is not clear how much backing he would have from colleagues.

"I am in the process right now of calling my colleagues," Van Hollen said at a Washington event on Tuesday.

Schumer, 75, has shown little signs of stepping aside, especially after he just led his party to power.

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