Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would vote against colleague Sen. Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general. | Getty Schumer will vote against Sessions

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, said Thursday he will vote against Jeff Sessions for attorney general — saying he had concerns about whether the Alabama senator could be a sufficient check on Donald Trump.

Schumer has repeatedly said he and Sessions are on good terms and regularly ride bikes together at the senators-only gym. But Schumer also stressed concerns about whether the conservative Sessions could fairly represent all Americans, considering his views on issues such as immigration and gay rights.


"After reviewing his record and giving careful consideration to his answers during the hearing, I am not confident in Senator Sessions’ ability to be a defender of the rights of all Americans, or to serve as an independent check on the incoming administration," Schumer said in a statement early Thursday.

Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Gang of Eight that led comprehensive immigration reform efforts in 2013, also said Thursday he was "deeply concerned" by Sessions' views on the issue.

Sessions' two-day confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee concluded Wednesday. The panel won't vote on Sessions' nomination until after Trump is formally inaugurated Jan. 20, and he appears unlikely to get much support from Democratic members from the panel, if at all.

But Sessions will need only 51 votes to be confirmed, and no Republicans have said they would oppose him. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has also said he would support him, and other moderate Democratic senators are likely to come under significant pressure to back Sessions.