Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced he will run against New York Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader, setting up a high-stakes leadership contest just days after Democrats’ sweeping midterm victories. Van Hollen to challenge Schumer became public Thursday as the party weighs its direction heading into the next Congress.
Van Hollen, 67, said voters delivered a clear message in the midterms, calling for change from the status quo. In a statement, he said the moment requires new leadership and emphasized the race is about responding to the electorate rather than any single individual.
Why Van Hollen to challenge Schumer matters
The Maryland senator, elected to the chamber in 2016 after more than a decade representing a Washington, D.C., suburb in the U.S. House, is regarded as one of the party’s more progressive voices. He drew national attention last year for pressing for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia after Garcia was wrongfully deported and imprisoned in El Salvador.
His bid arrives as progressive activists and some Democratic lawmakers push for a change at the top. Schumer, 75, has led Senate Democrats since 2017. He angered parts of the party’s base in early 2025 for not taking a tougher stance against President Trump during a government funding showdown.
Schumer responded to the challenge by welcoming a caucus discussion about the road ahead. He highlighted Democrats’ strong results, noting the party has secured at least 55 seats, and said he has the votes to continue as Democratic leader. He added that he looks forward to steering the majority and delivering for the country.
Divisions and endorsements within the caucus
Although Schumer maintains he has the support to prevail, resistance inside the caucus has grown. Earlier this week, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an Independent who aligns with Democrats, said he would oppose Schumer. Michigan Democrat Elissa Slotkin, appearing alongside Sanders, stopped short of an outright no but told reporters she is seeking change.
Some incoming Democrats have also expressed opposition to Schumer’s bid, including Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota and Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed. El-Sayed said he appreciates Schumer, but argued the party must meet the moment with leadership that reflects the mandate voters delivered.
Schumer has his own public backers. Supporters include Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Maryland Sen. Angela Alsobrooks.
What comes next
Senate Democrats plan to choose their leader by secret ballot in early December. The winner will preside over a majority holding 55 seats, with the potential to expand to 56 depending on the final outcome of Alaska’s Senate race.
