Van Hollen launches challenge to Schumer for Senate Democratic leader, rules out 2028 White House run

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is challenging New York Sen. Chuck Schumer to lead Senate Democrats in the next Congress. Schumer says he already has enough support to keep the job when Democrats vote by secret ballot on Dec. 1.

WBAL-TV reported that Van Hollen formally entered the race Thursday night. On Friday he spoke in Denver, where Democrats were holding a post-election gathering after winning a Senate majority in the midterms. He told reporters that voters wanted a different approach. "They chose change, and I think that the Democratic caucus needs to be open to new ideas," he said, according to Maryland Matters and WBAL-TV.

Van Hollen also said he will not run for president in 2028, Maryland Matters and the Baltimore Banner reported. Earlier this year he had said he was weighing a bid. The Banner reported that about a week ago he had said he was not interested in the leader's post. He said his view shifted as Democrats won difficult races in states including Texas, Ohio, Michigan and Maine.

According to the Banner, Van Hollen has acknowledged he is the underdog. He said on MSNow that at least 10 senators back him. Winning would require 29 votes from an expected 56 Democratic senators, and an Alaska race had not yet been called. He has said he wants to end the war in Iran by cutting off its funding and to fight political corruption. WBAL-TV reported that he also listed regulating artificial intelligence, a livable minimum wage and health care as priorities.

Schumer has led Senate Democrats since 2017. In a statement, he said Democrats had won "55 seats and counting." He added, "I have the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader," according to Maryland Matters.

Maryland Matters reported that several incoming senators back Van Hollen, including Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed and Minnesota's Peggy Flanagan. Maine Sen.-elect Troy Jackson has said he will not vote for Schumer. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, has also said he will not vote for Schumer. Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin said she would back only a candidate with a clear plan for governing.

Many sitting senators have publicly endorsed Schumer, the outlet reported. They include Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Angus King of Maine, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, and Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine declined to say publicly how he would vote.

WBAL-TV reported that Van Hollen and his allies plan to lobby senators until the vote. Grassroots groups also planned a rally Saturday at his Baltimore office.

Compiled by True News from reporting by Maryland Matters, WBAL-TV, NC Newsline and Baltimore Banner. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/1059