Chris Hollen announces Senate majority leader bid, challenging Schumer in Democratic contest

Van Hollen enters the race

Van Hollen announced his candidacy during an interview on MS Now on Thursday evening. His bid sets up a contest with Schumer over who will lead Senate Democrats.

The announcement comes as Democrats celebrate gaining a majority and prepare for a congressional takeover in January. Schumer has said he has the votes to retain the leadership position.

A message about voters’ demands

Van Hollen said the challenge was not directed at one person. He framed it as a push for Democrats to respond to what voters want after the midterm elections.

He pointed to lowering costs and ending the war against Iran as priorities. Those aims, he said, reflect what Americans called for in the elections.

Sanders backs the challenge

Sanders, an independent from Vermont who aligns with Democrats, said this week he would oppose Schumer. He had also urged Van Hollen to run. The contest now pits Schumer against a candidate encouraged by Sanders, as the party prepares to take control of Congress. The account does not say how many votes Van Hollen has secured.