Bernie Sanders Says He Will Not Back Schumer's Bid for Senate Democratic Leader

Senator Bernie Sanders said on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, that he will not support Chuck Schumer's bid to remain leader of the Senate Democrats. Sanders made the remarks to reporters on Capitol Hill, according to The Guardian.

Sanders is an independent from Vermont who caucuses with the Democrats, meaning he is part of the party's group in the Senate. He said he has known Schumer for more than 30 years and has a good opinion of him. "I personally have known Chuck Schumer for over 30 years, and I like Chuck. Nobody who works harder than Chuck Schumer. 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 pointed to the results of the 2026 midterm elections as evidence that voters want different leaders. He said Democrats should choose a new leader through a "process" that includes "vigorous debate."

Schumer has led Senate Democrats since 2017. Speaking to reporters last week, he said, "I'll be re-elected as majority leader."