Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced on Thursday that he is running for Senate majority leader, challenging Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer after the party swept to power in the midterm elections, CBC reported.
Van Hollen made his announcement on MS NOW’s “The Briefing with Jen Psaki,” stating that the incoming Congress faces a generational opportunity to respond to the public demand for change, MS NOW reported.
In this election, Americans called on us to unrig an economy rigged against working people & fueled by political corruption. To deliver, we need new leadership. This isn't about any one person – it’s about answering that call. That's why I’m running for Senate Majority Leader.
— Post by @ChrisVanHollen on X
“In this election, the American people called for change. They called for a change from Donald Trump’s disastrous policies — but even bigger than that, a change from the status quo that isn’t working for working people,” Van Hollen said in a statement posted on social media, The Guardian reported.
“It’s now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership. This is not about any one person – it’s about answering the call of the American people. That’s why I’m running,” he said, Al Jazeera 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. I look forward to leading our new…
— Post by @SenSchumer on X
The 67-year-old senator, who has served in the Senate since 2017 after spending 14 years in the House, said that Americans asked to unrig an economy rigged against working people and fueled by political corruption.
Van Hollen has been critical of Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, accusing them of siding with outside groups over progressive candidates during primary contests.
I’ve seen up close how hard @SenSchumer works for our entire caucus. He did the work to deliver what will soon be a 56-seat Senate majority against all odds, and I know he has the experience and the fight to continue leading our diverse caucus at this crucial moment. I’m proud to…
— Post by @SenJackyRosen on X
Schumer responded to the announcement in a social media post minutes later, stating he has the necessary backing to continue leading the caucus, The Guardian reported.
“I welcome any discussion about the future of our caucus and the important work ahead,” Schumer wrote, The Guardian reported. “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. I look forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering for the American people.”
Schumer told reporters on Tuesday that he is confident he will be elected majority leader and that there is great unity among Senate Democrats, CNN reported.
Schumer, who is 75 years old, has led Senate Democrats since 2017 and previously held positions in party leadership for decades.
The leadership contest has divided the caucus as senators prepare for closed-door, secret-ballot elections scheduled for early December, The Guardian reported.
Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan endorsed Van Hollen, writing on social media that the party’s majority needs bold leadership, CBC reported.
“I called on Sen. @ChrisVanHollen to lead our caucus as a candidate back in April because he leads with courage and experience,” El-Sayed wrote, CBC reported. “We need both right now. Which is why I’m proud to stand with him in his bid to lead our Senate majority.”
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont also endorsed Van Hollen, CBS News reported.
The American people voted for change. They want a Democratic Party that will stand up to powerful special interests, take on the billionaire class and fight for working families. That is why I am supporting Senator Chris Van Hollen to lead Senate Democrats.
— Post by @BernieSanders on X
Other incoming senators-elect, including Troy Jackson of Maine, Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota, Adam Hamilton of Kansas, and Juliana Stratton of Illinois, have also publicly rejected Schumer as the Democratic leader.
Other senators have rallied behind Schumer, including incoming Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and Maine Sen. Angus King, an Independent who caucuses with Democrats, CBC reported.
“Why would you fire the manager when you just won the World Series?” King asked in a statement, CBC reported.
Leadership race statements already starting to flow in Angus King says "Chuck Schumer is one of the principal architects of the most successful election in modern history, and I see no reason to change the leadership that helped make that success possible" Abdul El-Sayed:…
— Post by @burgessev on X
More on Chuck Schumer
The Democratic Party needs a new and bold direction. I will not support Chuck Schumer’s reelection as Democratic leader. pic.twitter.com/2cSqp25Y4x
— Post by @SenSanders on X