Senator Bernie Sanders has said he will not support Chuck Schumer's bid to remain leader of Senate Democrats, becoming the most prominent progressive to oppose Schumer since the Democrats won control of the Senate in the 3 November midterm elections. Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, made the announcement at a press conference at the Capitol on Tuesday 10 November. He called for a vigorous debate about the party's direction. ## What Sanders said "I personally have known Chuck Schumer for over 30 years, and I like Chuck. Nobody works harder than Chuck Schumer. But in my view, the time is now for change, and I will not be supporting Chuck to be reelected as the Democratic leader," Sanders said. He added that he did not think Schumer would run unopposed. ## Slotkin and Van Hollen add to the pressure Sanders appeared alongside Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, who also cast doubt on her support. "Whoever wants my vote is going to have to show me a concrete plan that's definitively different. I'm a no until and unless I see that from anyone," she said. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, who has come closest to mounting a challenge, said he was calling colleagues about the leadership question. ## What happens next Democrats will hold at least 54 Senate seats when the 120th Congress convenes in January, which would make Schumer majority leader if he keeps his caucus's support. Schumer has led Senate Democrats since 2017. Senate Democrats are expected to choose their leader by secret ballot in early December. Schumer has no declared opponent and needs only a majority of the caucus to keep the post. Schumer said on Tuesday he was confident he would be elected. [Bloomberg Government](https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/sanders-says-he-wont-support-schumer-for-democratic-leader) [WGHN](https://wghn.com/2026/11/10/sanders-wont-back-schumer-as-democratic-leader-in-new-congress/)