Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland will challenge Chuck Schumer for the top Democratic leadership post in the Senate, setting up a contested vote as the party prepares to lead the chamber in the next Congress.
Van Hollen announced his candidacy on Thursday, Nov. 12. He said Democrats need new leadership to respond to voters’ call for change. “This is not about any one person — it’s about answering the call of the American people,” he said in a statement.
Schumer, who has led Senate Democrats for years, said he welcomed discussion about the party’s future but believes he has the support to stay in the role. “I have the votes to continue serving as the Democratic Leader,” he said, adding that he looked forward to leading the new majority. The Associated Press also reported on Van Hollen’s announcement.
The leadership election has not yet taken place. Van Hollen is the first senator to openly challenge Schumer, and the contest will be the first contested election for the Democratic leader in decades, according to the report.
Progressive support for a change in leadership
Van Hollen has drawn support from progressive Democrats. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders said this week that he would not back Schumer for another term, while newly elected Michigan politician Abdul El-Sayed publicly endorsed Van Hollen.
The challenge follows a period of internal division that began in spring 2025, when Schumer backed a spending measure supported by Republicans. Schumer later led Democrats through a government shutdown and the party’s midterm election campaign, but calls for generational change have continued among some Democrats.
Van Hollen, 67, is 75, Schumer’s junior by eight years. Senators have not publicly disclosed how they will vote, and Schumer is considered the favorite to retain the leadership post.
Clayton Ward