Maryland Senator Van Hollen Files Challenge Against Schumer for Senate Leadership

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland will run against Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York for the position of Senate majority leader.

Van Hollen made the announcement on Thursday. He stated that voters sent a clear message during the midterm elections. He said they want change from the status quo.

"It's now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership," Van Hollen said in a written statement. "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 is 67 years old. He first won his Senate seat in 2016. Before that, he spent more than 10 years in the House of Representatives representing a Maryland suburb near Washington, D.C. He is considered one of the more progressive members of his party. He gained national attention last year for lobbying to secure the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to a prison in El Salvador.

The move follows calls from progressive activists and some Democratic lawmakers to replace Schumer. Schumer has served as party leader since 2017. He is 75 years old. Many members of the Democratic base criticized him for not taking a tougher stance against President Trump during a dispute over government funding in early 2025.

Schumer responded to the announcement on social media. He said he welcomes discussion about the future of the caucus. "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," Schumer wrote. "I look forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering for the American people."

Resistance to Schumer's bid has grown within the caucus. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an Independent who caucuses with Democrats, said this week he would oppose Schumer. Sanders made the announcement while standing next to Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. Slotkin did not explicitly say she would oppose Schumer but told reporters, "I am seeking change."

Several incoming Democrats also expressed opposition to Schumer. These include Sen. Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota and Sen. Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan. El-Sayed told NPR this week that he deeply appreciates Schumer. However, he said the party is given a mandate and should not simply return to previous methods. "I worry that we may not earn our mandate," El-Sayed said.

Other Democrats support Schumer's bid. These supporters include Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland.

The Democratic caucus will vote by secret ballot for majority leader in early December. The winner will preside over a majority of 55 seats. That number could rise to 56 depending on the final tally in the U.S. Senate race in Alaska.