Van Hollen Challenges Schumer for Senate Majority Leader Post
The Maryland senator joins a growing push to replace the New York leader, with more than 10 colleagues pledging support ahead of a December vote.
By Alessia Romano ·
Senate Democratic leadership will face a formal contest for the first time since the party won the chamber.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., announced Thursday that he will run for the position of Senate majority leader. He is the first candidate to officially challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who has held the role since 2017.
Van Hollen cited a desire for new leadership to fulfill the mandate given to Democrats in the recent election. He stated that voters called for a change from the policies of President Donald Trump and a departure from the status quo. His campaign plan centers on ending the Iran war using the upcoming government funding measure to prevent a shutdown in December. He also proposes reversing Trump’s budget bill, removing money from politics, and addressing corruption.
The Maryland senator said in an interview with MS NOW that more than 10 senators have pledged their support. He acknowledged he is the underdog but argued that the caucus must decide between voting for change or the status quo. The leadership vote will take place behind closed doors in December and requires a simple majority of the caucus.
Schumer remains the favorite to retain the position, though this marks the most serious challenge of his tenure. He responded on the social platform X, saying he has the votes to continue serving. He highlighted the party’s gain of 55 seats and expressed pride in the work accomplished together. Schumer stated he looks forward to leading the new majority and delivering for the American people.
Support for Van Hollen has grown from progressive and newly elected members. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said Wednesday he would back Van Hollen if he launched an official bid. Sanders had previously declared that the time is now for change. Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan also endorsed Van Hollen on Thursday night, citing his courage and experience. El-Sayed wrote that bold leadership is required to earn the party’s mandate.
Schumer retains strong backing from senior colleagues who credit him with the party’s midterm victory. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, compared the situation to firing a manager after winning the World Series. King stated that he sees no reason to change the leadership that helped secure the most successful election in modern history. He noted that Schumer outlined an aggressive plan for the new majority that responds to voter messages.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., also urged Democrats to keep Schumer in the role. She said no one put in more time and effort into the midterm cycle than Schumer. Gillibrand, who oversaw the party’s campaign arm, pointed to his strategic work in registering 100,000 new voters in Mississippi. She said that effort contributed to a stunning victory in that state and demonstrated the strategic leadership the caucus needs.
