By The Republic Standard News Staff
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said Tuesday that he will not support Sen. Chuck Schumer’s effort to remain Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate, calling for a change in leadership after the midterm elections.
Speaking with reporters on Capitol Hill, Sanders said he has known Schumer for more than 30 years but believes Democratic voters want new leadership. Sanders, 85, also called for a leadership-selection process that includes substantial debate.
“The time is now for change,” Sanders said.
Schumer, a New York senator who has led Senate Democrats since 2017, said he expects to win another term as majority leader. He said the Democratic caucus remains united around lowering costs and ending what he described as corruption, chaos and war.
“I’m confident I will be elected majority leader,” Schumer said.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen also said Tuesday that voters’ demand for change was evident and that he had begun contacting colleagues about leadership change. He did not explicitly call for Schumer to be removed.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin urged prospective caucus leaders to offer a plan, while saying she was not actively pursuing the Senate majority leadership post. No Democrat had stepped forward to challenge Schumer.
Incoming Democratic senators-elect include Abdul El-Sayed, Adam Hamilton, Annie Andrews, Chris Pappas, Troy Jackson and Peggy Flanagan.
Category: Republic
Tags: Congress, Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senate