Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced Thursday that he will challenge New York's Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader, pushing Democrats into a leadership fight just days after sweeping midterm victories, NPR reported.
Van Hollen said voters sent a clear message that they want "change from the status quo." "It's now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership," he said in a 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."
The Maryland Democrat, 67, was elected to the Senate in 2016 after more than a decade in the House representing a Maryland suburb outside Washington. One of his party's more progressive members, he gained national attention last year lobbying for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia after Garcia was wrongfully deported to a prison in El Salvador.
Schumer says he already has the votes
Schumer, 75, has led Senate Democrats since 2017. He drew criticism from much of the party's base for not taking a tougher stance against President Trump during a fight over government funding in early 2025, NPR reported.
"I welcome any discussion about the future of our caucus and the important work ahead. 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 on social media after Van Hollen's announcement. "I look forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering for the American people."
Resistance inside the caucus has already surfaced. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent who aligns with Democrats, said earlier this week that he would oppose Schumer. He made that announcement next to Michigan Democrat Elissa Slotkin, who did not say outright that she would oppose Schumer but told reporters, "I am seeking change."
Incoming Democratic senators have also expressed opposition, including Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota and Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed. "I deeply appreciate Senator Schumer," El-Sayed told NPR this week. "But this is about leadership for the American public, and if all we do is kind of go back to what we've been doing in a moment where we've been given a mandate, I worry that we may not earn our mandate."
A secret-ballot vote in early December
Schumer still has public backing from several Democrats, including Arizona's Ruben Gallego, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Maryland's Angela Alsobrooks, NPR reported. Democrats will vote by secret ballot for majority leader in early December. Whoever wins will preside over a majority of 55 seats, though that total could grow to 56 depending on the final tally in the U.S. Senate race in Alaska.
The contest is less about a single personality than about what Democrats do with a midterm mandate. Van Hollen is arguing that the party cannot meet the moment with the same leadership. Schumer is arguing that 55 seats, and possibly more, is proof the current leadership already delivered. The secret ballot will test which argument has more support inside a caucus that is larger, and more restless, than it was before Election Day.