Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he will run for Senate Majority Leader in the next Congress, setting up a challenge to Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
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Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he will run for Senate Majority Leader in the next Congress, a move that sets up a challenge to Democratic leader Chuck Schumer after the party swept to power in the midterm elections.
Van Hollen, speaking in a statement Thursday, said “the American people called for change,” adding, “It’s now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership.”
He said, “This is not about any one person — it’s about answering the call of the American people. That’s why I’m running for Senate Majority Leader.”
Schumer has said he has the necessary support to win the race. The leadership contest will be held in early December, using a closed-door, secret-ballot election.
Van Hollen’s announcement comes as many Democratic senators have not publicly stated how they will vote and the caucus has faced internal divisions.
Schumer has been talking to Democratic senators since the election and forming an agenda for 2027, and in private caucus meetings this week he outlined 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 added that he has votes to continue serving as Democratic leader.
Schumer said, “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,” and that he looks forward to “delivering for the American people.”
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