Bernie Sanders won’t support Sen. Sen.
Chuck Schumer’s bid to lead Senate Democrats next year, he told reporters Tuesday.
No one has launched a formal challenge to Schumer, but Bernie Sanders indicated that could change. The announcement from Sanders (Vt.), an independent who caucuses with Democrats , raises new questions about the outlook for Schumer’s leadership bid. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) demurred Tuesday when asked if he would challenge Schumer for the Senate’s top post. “Voters are expecting us to address the issues that they care about, including right away ending the war in Iran and helping bring down prices. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) also cast doubt on her support for Schumer.
Some incoming Democratic senators have said they would prefer fresh leadership, but Schume r has retained support of many colleagues. “He’s not going to run unopposed, I don’t think,” Sanders said. “There needs to be a plan on how we’re going to use this large majority to deliver for the country,” Van Hollen told reporters.
“Whoever wants my vote is going to have to show me a concrete plan that’s definitively different. Senate Democrats will hold their leadership elections in December.
I’m a no until and unless I see that from anyone,” she said, adding that she isn’t pursuing the job. Schumer, when asked if he is confident that he will be elected Senate Majority Leader, said “yes” on Tuesday.
