Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland is challenging Chuck Schumer for the Senate Democratic leadership post, setting up a contest ahead of a caucus vote expected early in December. Van Hollen announced his bid on Thursday, Nov. 12, saying Democrats need new leadership to address economic concerns and political corruption. CBS News reported the announcement.
Van Hollen had said earlier in the week that he was still listening to colleagues about whether to run. In an interview after announcing his candidacy, he described himself as an underdog but said the race remained unsettled.
Disagreements over strategy and party influence
Van Hollen said Democrats should use the Dec. 11 government funding deadline as leverage to press the Trump administration to end the Iran war. He argued that the party’s position should be firm, rather than determined by political calculations.
He also criticized Schumer for backing particular candidates in Democratic primaries, saying a party leader should not take sides in open contests. Van Hollen cited incoming senators Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan and Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota as examples.
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont endorsed Van Hollen, saying Democrats should stand up to powerful interests and fight for working families. Sanders had announced earlier in the week that he would not support Schumer. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, meanwhile, said she was seeking change and would not commit her vote without a concrete plan.
Schumer said he welcomed discussion about the caucus’s future and maintained that he had the votes to remain leader. He pointed to the party’s midterm results and said he wanted to lead the new Democratic majority. Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada also endorsed Schumer, praising his experience and leadership.
Van Hollen, 67, has served in the Senate since 2017. Schumer has led Senate Democrats since that year. The caucus vote will determine who leads the party in the next Congress.
Reid Bentley