Chris Van Hollen Challenges Chuck Schumer for Senate Majority Leader

The update

Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen said on Thursday he will challenge New York’s Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader when Democrats take control of the chamber in January. Van Hollen, 67, said voters in the midterm elections called for change from the status quo and new leadership, adding that the bid is about answering that call, not about any one person. Schumer, 75, who has led Senate Democrats since 2017, said he welcomes discussion, is proud of winning 55 seats and counting, and has the votes to continue as leader.

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Why it matters

The challenge opens a debate over the party’s future after its midterm sweep. Some Democratic lawmakers and incoming senators have called for Schumer to be replaced and have backed Van Hollen, including Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed, while others, including Ruben Gallego, Kirsten Gillibrand and Angela Alsobrooks, have publicly supported Schumer. The winner will lead the Senate as Democrats set the chamber’s agenda, confirmations and legislation in the new Congress.

What to watch

Democrats will choose their leader by secret ballot in early December. The winner will preside over a majority of 55 seats, which could grow to 56 depending on the final result of the Senate race in Alaska.

Sources

• npr.org — confirms the announcement, both men’s statements, the early December secret-ballot vote and the 55-seat majority
• aljazeera.com — confirms the run, the January takeover after the midterm elections and El-Sayed’s backing for Van Hollen

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