Bernie Sanders won't back Schumer for majority leader in new Congress: 'time is now for change'

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said Tuesday that he will not be backing Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for Democratic majority leader in the new Congress. 

"The time is now for change, and I will not be supporting Chuck to be reelected as the Democratic leader," Sanders said, the Associated Press reported. 

Sanders delivered the remark at a news conference at the Capitol, flanked by Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and they both called for a debate about the party's direction and future. 

Slotkin said she wants to see potential candidates for the position to present details about the priorities for the new majority, and she'll vote down any proposed leader who doesn't offer that. 

Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed and other progressives are backing Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland as a potential contender for majority leader.