Van Hollen Launches Challenge to Schumer for Democratic Leadership

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said Thursday he will challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader. Schumer says he has the votes to win.

• 55 seats at minimum for Democrats in January, after flipping eight.
• Dec. 1 closed-door vote; a simple caucus majority wins.
• Schumer has led Senate Democrats since 2017.
• Sanders, Slotkin and several incoming senators want a new leader.

Why it matters: Schumer remains favored, but this is likely his most serious leadership challenge. The contest exposes divisions inside the party right after major midterm gains.

• Van Hollen faults Schumer's role in Democratic primaries this cycle.
• Van Hollen wants to use funding talks to end the Iran war.

How 76 sources split on this story

Where they split: Democrats disagree on whether winning the majority earns Schumer another term or signals voters want new leadership.

What’s next: Activists have nearly three weeks to lobby senators before the secret ballot.

• A December government funding measure is the first test Van Hollen has named.
• How many senators privately back each candidate in a secret vote?
• Does a loss affect Van Hollen's possible 2028 presidential run?