Sanders, Slotkin won't back Schumer as leader
The gist
Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elissa Slotkin said they will not back Chuck Schumer as Democratic Senate leader.
The challenge hits Schumer just as Democrats take a 54-seat majority in January.
How it unfolded
- Nov 6, 2026Sen.-elect Annie Andrews (D-S.C.) said she wants "generational change" in Senate leadership, after pledging during the campaign not to support Schumer.
- Nov 9, 2026Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), seen as a possible challenger, said he is "in listening mode" on whether to run.
- Nov 10, 2026Sanders and Slotkin said at a joint Capitol press conference they would not back Schumer as leader of the incoming Democratic majority.
Key terms
- Senate minority leader
- A U.S. senator chosen by their party caucus to serve as chief spokesperson and leader of the chamber's majority party.
- caucus
- Formed or joined a group of members of the same political party or movement.
- midterms
- US general elections held near the midpoint of a president's four-year term, when all House seats and about a third of Senate seats are contested.
Source: Wikipedia