Washington DC - Senator Bernie Sanders announced he would not be supporting Chuck Schumer as the Senate Majority Leader, exposing a growing rift among Democrats about their leadership after the midterms.

The Vermont Senator, who caucuses with the Democrats despite being an independent, said in a press conference on Tuesday that he would not support Schumer's re-election as the party's leader.

"I personally have known Chuck Schumer for over 30 years, and I like Chuck. Nobody who works harder than Chuck Schumer," he said. "But in my view, the time is now for change."

Sanders added that the Democrats need to have a "vigorous debate" about the party's direction following their sweeping wins in the midterms – a sentiment echoed by many of his colleagues.

Canada Canada's Carney says Trump still crucial to trade negotiations despite brutal midterm defeat

Senator Elissa Slotkin, who joined Sanders at the press conference, said she would be a "no until and unless" another contender provides a vision that is "definitively different."

So far, there is no official competition for Schumer. However, a few names have been proposed, including Slotkin, who denied any plans to run.

Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan suggested Maryland's Chris Van Hollen, who had initially denied plans to challenge Schumer before saying this week that he was "listening" to the idea.

As for other prominent Democrats, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was also asked about her support for Schumer, declining to endorse him but ultimately saying that the decision was in the hands of Senate Democrats.

In response to Sanders and Slotkin's challenge, Schumer stood defiant.

"I'm confident I will be elected majority leader," he declared Tuesday.