By — Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press By — Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-time-is-now-for-change-bernie-sanders-wont-support-schumer-for-senate-democratic-leader Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 'The time is now for change.' Bernie Sanders won't support Schumer for Senate Democratic leader Politics Nov 10, 2026 5:26 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Bernie Sanders said Tuesday he would not be supporting Sen. Chuck Schumer as the Democratic majority leader in the new Congress, setting up a seismic confrontation after the party's sweep to power in the midterm elections. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Sanders was joined by Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan at a news conference at the Capitol, and together they said there needs to be a new generation of leadership and a vigorous debate about the party's direction and future. A number of…
'The time is now for change.' Bernie Sanders won't support Schumer for Senate Democratic leader
In short
The leadership challenge follows a successful midterm election where Democrats expanded their control by flipping Republican-held seats in states including Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina. Progressive lawmakers are rallying behind Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen to challenge the incumbent leader for the top spot. While Sen. Chuck Schumer remains confident of his reelection with support from allies like Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Sen. Elissa Slotkin is withholding her endorsement until candidates outline their concrete legislative agendas.
Key points
- Growing progressive dissatisfaction has created a competitive race for the top Senate Dem…: Growing progressive dissatisfaction has created a competitive race for the top Senate Democratic leadership position.
- Candidates seeking leadership roles must present clear legislative priorities to win over…: Candidates seeking leadership roles must present clear legislative priorities to win over uncommitted lawmakers before formal elections.
- Incumbent leadership maintains strong backing from key allies despite pushback over prima…: Incumbent leadership maintains strong backing from key allies despite pushback over primary election recruiting outcomes.