Politics

Sanders says he won't back Schumer's bid to lead Senate Democrats

Sanders cited midterm results in opposing Schumer; Schumer says he remains confident of re-election.

Published Nov 10, 2026 · 23:52 UTC5 reports

The short version

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he will not support Sen. Chuck Schumer as Democratic leader in the new Congress.[The Guardian · CBS News · ABC News]
Sanders announced the decision at a Capitol press conference, saying last week's midterm elections were about change.[The Guardian · CBS News · ABC News]
Schumer says he is confident he will be re-elected, while Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he is exploring a potential run.[The Guardian · CBS News · ABC News]
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin said she will not back any candidate without a concrete plan to govern differently.[CBS News]

Sanders said on Tuesday that he will not support Schumer as Democratic leader when Democrats take control of the Senate in the new Congress.[The Guardian · CBS News · ABC News]
Sanders made the announcement at a Capitol press conference, saying last week's midterm elections were about change.[The Guardian · CBS News · ABC News]
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin said she is a no on backing any candidate unless that candidate presents a concrete plan to govern differently.[CBS News]
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen has said he is exploring a potential run for Democratic leader and is contacting colleagues.[The Guardian · CBS News · ABC News]
Schumer said he is confident he will be re-elected majority leader.[The Guardian · ABC News]

Whether Van Hollen will formally challenge Schumer remains unknown; reporting describes him as exploring a potential run.[The Guardian · CBS News · ABC News]
The outcome of the Democratic caucus leadership vote is not yet known, and Schumer's confidence is his own assessment.[The Guardian · ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.