Sen. Bernie Sanders said he will oppose Chuck Schumer’s bid to lead Senate Democrats, sharpening a debate over the party’s direction as it prepares to take control of the chamber in January.
Sanders, an independent from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats, announced his decision at a Capitol press conference Tuesday, CBS News reported. He described the midterm result as a call for change and urged an open party debate, saying Democrats need “a vigorous debate about the direction” of the party.
Sanders framed the election around voters’ concerns about food, health care and housing costs, while saying the billionaire class had done well. He said he has known Schumer for more than 30 years and likes him, but believes Democrats need a new direction. Sanders said he would not support Schumer’s re-election as caucus leader.
Michigan Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who appeared with Sanders, said leadership candidates should explain how they would govern differently and what they would do in their first 100 days. She said she is not actively seeking the job but wants change, and would not support a candidate without a concrete plan.
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is contacting colleagues as he considers a challenge, CBS News reported. On Monday, he said there should be no “coronation” and that he remained open to running. CBS News reported that no contender had emerged to challenge Schumer, with Van Hollen closest to entering the race.
Democrats are expected to hold leadership elections in early December, according to CBS News. They will control at least 54 Senate seats when the 120th Congress convenes in January, the outlet reported. Schumer has said he expects to be elected majority leader, a subject EconoTimes covered in an earlier report on the Senate leadership contest.
