Bernie Sanders opposes Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic leader

Senator Bernie Sanders announced on Tuesday that he will not support Senator Chuck Schumer to lead Democrats in the upcoming Congress. The New York Post, PBS NewsHour, and The Guardian all reported that Sanders announced his decision following Democratic gains in the midterm elections. [1][2][4]

Sanders held a news conference at the Capitol alongside Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, according to the New York Post and PBS NewsHour. While Sanders declared that the time is now for change, MSNBC reported that Slotkin stated she would withhold her vote until she sees a concrete plan. [1][2][6]

Several incoming Democratic senators have echoed the call to oppose Schumer, according to the New York Post and PBS NewsHour. The Guardian reported that Sanders praised Schumer's hard work over their 30-year acquaintance but insisted the party needs a new direction. [1][2][4]

Sanders is an independent from Vermont who has served in the United States Senate since 2007 and caucuses with Democrats. Schumer has represented New York in the Senate since 1999 and has led the Senate Democratic Caucus since 2017. [1][11][12][13]