Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen launches a challenge to Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader after the midterms

What happened

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced Thursday that he will run against Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York for Senate majority leader, CBS News reported. In a post on X, Van Hollen wrote, "To deliver, we need new leadership," and said the race "isn't about any one person."

CBS News called the move the most significant step by a high-profile Democrat to challenge party leadership since Democrats decisively won last week's midterms. Earlier in the week, Van Hollen had said he was in "listening mode" about a run. More coverage of the fallout from the vote is in our elections section.

How Schumer and his allies responded

Schumer, 75, answered on X that he welcomes "any discussion about the future of our caucus." He also wrote that "55 seats and counting is an amazing result" and that he has "the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader," according to CBS News and ABC News. Schumer has led Senate Democrats since 2017.

Nevada connections

CBS News reported that Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen endorsed Schumer late Thursday. Rosen wrote that he has "the experience and the fight to continue leading our diverse caucus at this crucial moment." Schumer took over the top job in 2017, when he succeeded retiring Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, also defended Schumer earlier this week. She credited his "strategic leadership," CBS News reported.

Van Hollen's case for change

Using the funding deadline

In an interview with MS NOW, Van Hollen said Schumer has not taken a firm enough stance on using the power of the purse to force the Trump administration to end the Iran war, CBS News reported. He said Democrats should use the Dec. 11 deadline to fund the government as leverage, calling it something that "should not be a finger-in-the-wind issue."

Primaries and party politics

Van Hollen also criticized what he sees as Schumer working behind the scenes to back candidates in Democratic primaries. He pointed to Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed and Minnesota Sen.-elect Peggy Flanagan, saying neither would be in the Senate if the current leader had gotten his way, according to CBS News.

Who is Van Hollen

Van Hollen, 67, has served in the Senate since 2017 after more than a decade in the House. NPR reported he gained national attention last year for pushing for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom NPR described as wrongfully deported to a prison in El Salvador. CBS News noted that in 2024 he backed restricting weapons shipments to Israel.

Where the caucus stands

Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont endorsed Van Hollen on Thursday. Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton of Kansas, a moderate, has also called for new leadership, CBS News reported. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan said she wants a concrete plan that is different, adding, "I'm a no until and unless I see that from anyone."

Even so, CBS News reported that Schumer is still widely expected to keep the post. Democrats flipped at least eight Senate seats, with one race in Alaska still undecided. NPR noted that Schumer faced criticism from the party's base over a funding dispute in early 2025. For other national stories, see our Nation section.

According to ABC News, the leader is chosen by a majority vote of the caucus. Van Hollen called himself an "underdog" but said the race is "very much in flux," CBS News reported.

What to watch next

• Senate Democratic leadership elections, which ABC News and CBS News report are expected in December.
• The Dec. 11 deadline to fund the government, which Van Hollen wants Democrats to use as leverage.
• The undecided Senate race in Alaska, which CBS News says is still up in the air.
• Whether uncommitted Democrats, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin, back Schumer or another candidate.