Why It Matters
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s challenge to Chuck Schumer creates a contested race for Senate Democratic leader. The closed-door vote is scheduled for Dec. 1.
What Happened
Van Hollen, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, announced his challenge to Schumer. He said Senate Democrats should have a choice and stated that he would not run for president in 2028.
Schumer, who has led Senate Democrats since 2017, said, “I have the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader.” Schumer also cited a Democratic election result of “55 seats and counting.”
Several senators and senator-elects have stated their preferences. Abdul El-Sayed and Peggy Flanagan said they supported Van Hollen. Bernie Sanders said he would not vote for Schumer, while Troy Jackson said on Nov. 6 that he did not intend to support him.
Elissa Slotkin said she would vote only for a candidate with a clear governing plan and cited the first 100 days of that plan’s actions. Slotkin also said she did not intend to challenge Schumer.
Brian Schatz, Angus King, Tammy Baldwin, Mark Kelly, Jack Reed, Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto expressed support for Schumer. Tim Kaine did not disclose his preference. Schumer appears more likely than Van Hollen to secure the leadership.
By the Numbers
Dec. 1 — scheduled date for the closed-door leadership vote
2028 — presidential election year Van Hollen said he would not seek
2017 — year Schumer began leading Senate Democrats
55 seats and counting — number Schumer cited for Democrats’ election result
100 days — period Slotkin cited for a governing plan’s initial actions
Nov. 6 — date Jackson said he did not intend to vote for Schumer
55 seats — number Baldwin said Democrats won at least
56-seat Senate majority — majority Rosen said Democrats would soon have
8 — Senate seats Cortez Masto said Democrats flipped
9 — Senate seats Cortez Masto said Democrats would soon flip
Zoom Out
The leadership contest includes senators supporting Schumer, senators backing Van Hollen and members who have not disclosed a preference. The stated positions include demands for a governing plan as well as support for Schumer’s continued leadership.
What’s Next
Senate Democrats are scheduled to hold the leadership vote behind closed doors on Dec. 1. Schumer has said he has the votes to continue, while Van Hollen is seeking to give members an alternative.