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Bernie Sanders says he won't back Schumer as push for new leadership gains steam

Sanders was complimentary of Schumer, but said at a news conference on Tuesday that he believes "the time is now" for change in Democratic leadership.

✦ Extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting•From 2 sources•2 min read•Updated November 11, 2026, 3:41 PM UTC
Key points
  • The progressive leader was among a few Democrats who signaled skepticism about Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, though his allies offered support and called for party unity.
  • "And that nobody should get a blank check without a full understanding from the caucus as to where we’re going to go." And Van Hollen, who has previously said his focus was more on "kicking the tires" on a run for higher office in 2028, is reportedly mulling a bid for Schumer’s job, according to Politico.
  • But in my view, the time is now for change, and I will not be supporting Chuck to be re-elected as the Democratic leader," Sanders said at a news conference.

SCHUMER DUCKS QUESTION ON CAMPAIGNING WITH SOCIALIST CANDIDATE WHO REFUSES TO BACK HIM AS LEADER "I’ve said very clearly that we need to have a discussion in the Democratic caucus," Van Hollen said during an appearance at Crooked Con over the weekend.

Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., joined Sanders at the Tuesday news conference and said she also will not be supporting Schumer.

Additional details
  • Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to serve as Senate majority leader once Democrats take control over the chamber next year.
  • CHUCK SCHUMER AFTER SWEEPING DEMOCRATIC MIDTERM VICTORIES: 'I'LL BE RE-ELECTED AS MAJORITY LEADER' Sen.
  • "I personally have known Chuck Schumer for over 30 years, and I like Chuck.
  • Neither has backed a specific candidate to replace Schumer, however.
  • [There’s] nobody who works harder than Chuck Schumer.

How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →

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Every article behind this summary — 2 articles from 2 outlets

Fox NewsNovember 11, 2026, 3:41 PM UTC → NYT PoliticsNovember 11, 2026, 2:01 AM UTC →

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