Overview
- Chuck Schumer is formally the only candidate for the Democratic Senate leadership vote in December but several senators have publicly said they will not back him.
- Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elissa Slotkin joined a growing list of lawmakers who say it is time for new leadership and will withhold their support.
- A group of newly elected senators and progressive groups launched a campaign against a Schumer coronation and publicly rejected his renomination.
- Sen. Chris Van Hollen has not declared a challenge but says he is "listening" to colleagues about a possible bid and is being discussed as the most likely alternative.
- Schumer’s allies point to large midterm seat gains under his leadership as a reason for continuity, and the closed caucus vote will decide whether the party rewards those results or embraces a generational change.