As Democrats Prepare to Take Senate, Chris Van Hollen to Challenge Chuck Schumer for Majority Leader
A leadership contest begins
Van Hollen, a progressive Democrat, made his decision public Thursday. His challenge sets up a contest within the party as Democrats celebrate their new Senate majority and prepare to take over Congress in January.
Van Hollen entered the Senate in 2016 after serving seven terms in the House, representing suburbs of Washington, D.C. In recent days, he had shown growing openness to seeking the leadership role and had become the leading alternative to Schumer.
Calls for a different approach
Some Democratic senators and activists have called for another choice to lead the party. They view Schumer, a moderate, as closely connected to the party establishment and question whether he is the right person to guide Democrats into the next Congress.
Van Hollen said there was a strong desire for change within the Democratic caucus. He also argued that senators wanted more meaningful input, particularly with a large majority ahead.
Schumer says he has support
Schumer and his allies have maintained that he has commitments from well over a majority of Senate Democrats. They say that support is enough to secure his re-election as leader.
Democrats will vote privately on Dec. 1 to select their leader. The winner is due to lead the party when it takes the Senate majority on Jan. 4. Van Hollen is also said to be considering a presidential run in 2028.
Key points
- Van Hollen announced Thursday that he will challenge Schumer for majority leader.
- Some Democrats have called for an alternative to Schumer’s leadership.
- Schumer says he has support from well over a majority of Senate Democrats.
- The party plans to vote privately on Dec. 1, ahead of taking the Senate majority on Jan. 4.