Sen. Bernie Sanders said Tuesday he will not support Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as leader of the Democratic caucus next year.
Sanders announced his decision at a news conference with Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) shortly after Democrats huddled in their first full caucus meeting since returning to Washington following sweeping midterm election victories.
Schumer this week has begun to face pockets of opposition within his ranks, and several outside advocacy groups have weighed in against his retaking the perch. But no other senator has officially entered the race against him.
“I personally have known Chuck Schumer for over 30 years, and I like Chuck. Nobody who works harder than Chuck Schumer,” Sanders (I-Vt.) said. “But in my view, the time is now for change, and I will not be supporting Chuck to be reelected as the Democratic leader.”
Slotkin added she is also a “no” on any candidate until they can articulate a plan outlining Democrats’ priorities in the first 100 days in the new Congress.
Sanders said the two senators had heard out Schumer and had a serious discussion about his ideas going forward: “Was it as definitive as it should be? In my view it was not.”
A spokesperson for Schumer didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Neither senator has identified who they might support instead, though both acknowledged that Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is one name in consideration.
“We had a productive conversation,” Slotkin said of her Monday meeting with Van Hollen. “At the same time, I have the same feeling about anyone who runs as I do about Sen. Schumer. I want to see what that plan is. I want to see how it represents newer members. I will require that for anyone.”