WASHINGTON — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said Tuesday he will not support Chuck Schumer's bid to remain leader of Senate Democrats, adding to a list of senators withholding support from the New York Democrat after the party won control of the chamber.

Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, made the comment to reporters, according to a post on X by reporter Igor Bobic. Asked by reporter Lindsey McPherson whether he would oppose Schumer even if he ran unopposed, Sanders replied, "He's not going to run unopposed, I don't think."

Sanders did not say whom he would support.

Democrats won a Senate majority in the Nov. 3 elections, which would make Schumer majority leader if he keeps the support of his caucus, CNN reported. Senate Democrats, including newly elected members, are expected to choose their leader by secret ballot in December, according to NewsNation.

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is considering a challenge to Schumer and is open to a run, according to a person familiar with his thinking, WTKR News 3 reported Tuesday. At a post-election gathering Saturday, Van Hollen and Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin declined to back Schumer, and Slotkin said she would not rule out running herself, according to CNN. Several incoming senators have also said they will not support him.

Schumer has no declared opponent and needs only a majority of the caucus to keep the post. He has said he expects to remain leader.

Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal also declined to endorse Schumer for majority leader, The Signal reported Monday.

Sanders has clashed with Schumer and the party's national leadership in recent years, backing progressive candidates over Schumer's preferred picks, including Graham Platner in Maine's Senate primary, Fortune reported in May.