Senate Leadership: Van Hollen Challenges Schumer for Majority Leader
The Maryland Democrat seeks to replace the long-time New York leader after a strong midterm performance, facing opposition from several incoming colleagues.
By James Foster ·
Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced on Thursday that he will run to replace Chuck Schumer as Senate majority leader. The challenge forces the Democratic caucus to decide its direction days after the party secured a strong midterm election victory.
Van Hollen, 67, cited a mandate for change from voters in his statement. He described the race as a response to the American people rather than a personal dispute. "It's now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership," he said.
Schumer, 75, has held the leadership role since 2017. He responded on social media, stating that he is proud of the caucus's accomplishments and believes he has the necessary votes to remain in charge. He referred to the party's seat total as "55 seats and counting." Schumer expressed his intent to lead the new majority and deliver for voters.
Resistance to Schumer's continued tenure has grown within the party. Progressive members and some lawmakers criticized him for not taking a harder line against President Trump during the early 2025 government funding dispute. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont announced earlier this week that he will oppose Schumer. He made the statement alongside Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, who said she is seeking change without explicitly voting against the New York senator.
Several incoming Democrats have also signaled opposition to Schumer. Sen. Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan told NPR that he worries the party may not earn its mandate if it simply repeats past tactics. "If all we do is kind of go back to what we've been doing in a moment where we've been given a mandate, I worry that we may not earn our mandate," El-Sayed said. Sen. Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota has also expressed opposition to Schumer's bid.
Supporters of Schumer include Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, and Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona. Van Hollen, who served in the House for over a decade before joining the Senate in 2016, gained national attention last year for his efforts to secure the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia after his wrongful deportation to El Salvador.
Democrats will cast secret ballots for the majority leader position in early December. The winner will preside over a majority of 55 seats. That number could increase to 56 if the final tally in the U.S. Senate race in Alaska favors a Democrat.
