Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland says he will run for Senate Majority Leader in a bid that sets up a Democratic leadership challenge to Chuck Schumer.
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Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said Thursday that he will run for Senate Majority Leader in the next Congress, setting up a challenge to Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer after the party swept to power in the midterm elections.
In a statement, Van Hollen said “the American people called for change” and that he is running because “It’s now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership.” He added: “This is not about any one person — it’s about answering the call of the American people. That is why I’m running for Senate Majority Leader.”
Van Hollen’s decision follows earlier comments that he was considering a bid, while Schumer has said he has the necessary support to win. The election for the leadership position is scheduled for early December and will be conducted through a closed-door, secret-ballot vote.
The leadership contest will be the first contested election for Democratic leader in decades. The question of whether to reelect Schumer has already divided the caucus, and many senators are not publicly stating how they will vote, according to the statement and background provided in the report.
Schumer has been speaking with Democratic senators since the election and building an agenda for 2027, including describing in private caucus meetings a plan for the party’s first 100 days in power.
After Van Hollen’s announcement, Schumer said he welcomes discussion about the future of the caucus and stated: “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together — 55 seats and counting is an amazing result — and I have the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader.” He added: “I look forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering for the American people.”
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