Sen. Richard Blumenthal declined to endorse Chuck Schumer as the next Senate majority leader Monday, delivering a fresh setback to the longtime Democratic leader as an internal fight over the party’s future gathers steam.
The Connecticut Democrat called for a debate about leadership rather than committing to Schumer’s return to the majority leader’s office, according to a post on X from News 12 reporter John Craven.
“We need a conversation about leadership going forward because we need new energy and ideas,” Blumenthal told reporters.
Blumenthal stopped short of pledging to vote against Schumer or backing a replacement. His refusal to endorse him nevertheless adds another established Democratic senator to those withholding support.
Democrats’ midterm victories have put Schumer in position to reclaim the majority leader’s job in January. But winning back the chamber hasn’t quieted demands for change at the top.
Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan also declined to endorse Schumer during Saturday’s Crooked Con gathering in Washington, CNN reported.
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Van Hollen pressed colleagues to withhold commitments until they discuss how the party will use its new majority. Slotkin demanded a plan for the first 100 days and left open the possibility of running herself.
Schumer still has public backing from other members of the caucus, including Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who said Saturday that he intended to support him.
The leadership maneuvering took another turn Monday when The Associated Press reported that Van Hollen was considering a challenge, citing a person familiar with his thinking.
The Maryland senator had received an outpouring of calls and was listening to colleagues, according to the report. He had not announced a bid, and Schumer was still expected to have enough votes to retain the job.
Resistance also extends to the incoming freshman class.
Senators-elect Troy Jackson of Maine and Adam Hamilton of Kansas have said they would support someone other than Schumer. Minnesota Sen.-elect Peggy Flanagan has called for new leadership, while Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed has expressed support for Van Hollen.
Schumer has led Senate Democrats since 2017 and has projected confidence that he will keep the position. The caucus will select its leader by secret ballot, with incoming senators participating.
