Sanders and Slotkin reject Schumer for Senate Democratic leadership

Senate Democrats secured control of the chamber following their midterm victories, but a rift over leadership has emerged before the new Congress convenes. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan announced on Tuesday that they will not support Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York as the incoming majority leader.

The opposition signals a split between the progressive and centrist wings of the party. Schumer has led Senate Democrats for nearly a decade and is credited with orchestrating the party’s win in seven races, including contests in Texas, South Carolina, and Kansas. Democrats also hold leads in Alaska and Mississippi, which could expand their majority.

Sanders, who leads the progressive bloc in the Senate, said Schumer has not done enough to address economic disparities. He noted that the United States faces its highest levels of income and wealth inequality in history, with younger generations expected to have lower standards of living than their parents.

“Do I think Chuck has been leading in that direction? No,” Sanders said. He added that the moment is now to create an economy that works for all Americans, not just those at the top.

Slotkin, a centrist who is viewed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, said she is seeking change. She argued that the new leader must present a detailed plan for the first 100 days of the term, covering issues such as artificial intelligence. She proposed that colleagues withhold quorum on a leadership vote until a candidate provides such a roadmap.

“We need leadership that’s going to govern for the entirety of the caucus, for folks from blue states, purple states and red states,” Slotkin said.

The two senators said they met with Schumer earlier in the day. While Schumer offered some ideas, Sanders said they did not go far enough. Both said they hope for a competitive election for the leadership post rather than a rubber-stamp vote.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland is the only named figure considered a serious challenger, though he has wavered in recent days. Van Hollen said on Monday night that he is in listening mode after hearing from many people who want him to run. Slotkin said she had a productive conversation with Van Hollen but declined to endorse him directly, reiterating her demand for a concrete governing plan.

Slotkin criticized the caucus for failing to articulate a strategy during the two years she has served. She noted that her background in national security teaches that leaders must lay out a clear destination for the group.

Incoming senators have also voiced doubts about Schumer’s future. Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan said he would back Van Hollen over Schumer. Sen.-elect Annie Andrews of South Carolina, along with Sens.-elect Adam Hamilton of Kansas and Troy Jackson of Maine, said they want generational change in leadership.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, a prominent progressive voice, said on Tuesday that the calls for new leadership are widespread. She noted that while the House representative does not have a vote in the Senate leadership election, the sentiment reflects a broader shift in the party.

Supporters of Schumer argue his experience was vital to the recent victories. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who chaired the party’s campaign arm, said Schumer’s decisionmaking kept the caucus united on costs, corruption, and chaos. She stated that no one put in the time and effort he did during this cycle and that the caucus would show enormous gratitude for his work despite the grumbling. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona also expressed support, saying it is time to unify and work together under the current leader.