Van Hollen Launches Primary Challenge Against Schumer For Senate Leadership
The Maryland senator argues the party needs new direction after the midterms, while Schumer claims he has the votes to retain his post.
By Oliver Bennett ·
The Democratic Senate caucus faces an internal contest for its top leadership role following the recent midterm elections. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced on Thursday that he will run against Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York for the position of majority leader. Van Hollen framed his candidacy as a response to voter demands for a departure from the status quo. He stated that the party must meet the current political moment with new leadership to answer the call of the American people.
Van Hollen, 67, first joined the Senate in 2016 after representing a Maryland suburb in the House for more than a decade. He is considered one of the more progressive members of his party. He gained national attention last year by lobbying for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had been wrongfully deported to a prison in El Salvador. His entry into the race coincides with growing calls from progressive activists and some lawmakers for Schumer to step down.
Schumer, 75, has held the majority leader seat since 2017. He faced criticism within his party for his approach to funding fights with President Trump in early 2025. In response to the challenge, Schumer posted on social media that he welcomes the discussion about the caucus's future. He cited the party's recent electoral performance, noting they hold 55 seats and counting. Schumer asserted that he has the votes to continue serving as leader and intends to deliver for the American people.
Resistance to Schumer's leadership has grown within the ranks of the new majority. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont Independent who caucuses with Democrats, said earlier this week that he would oppose Schumer. He made this declaration alongside Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. Slotkin did not explicitly state she would vote against Schumer, but she told reporters that she is seeking change. Several incoming Democratic lawmakers, including Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota and Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, have also expressed opposition to Schumer's bid.
El-Sayed told NPR this week that he deeply appreciates Schumer but believes the party needs different leadership. He warned that simply returning to previous methods could cause the party to fail in earning its electoral mandate. Other Democrats have publicly backed Schumer, including Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland.
The caucus will vote by secret ballot in early December to select the next majority leader. The winner will preside over a majority of 55 seats. That number could rise to 56 if the final tally in the Alaska Senate race results in a Democratic victory.
