WASHINGTON — Chris Van Hollen, a progressive Maryland Democrat, launched a challenge against Sen. Chuck Schumer to lead Senate Democrats in the next Congress.
The announcement began a high-stakes congressional leadership clash that will in part determine the Democratic Party's direction over the last two years of President Donald Trump's administration — and shape its identity heading into the 2028 presidential election.
After teasing a bid for days following last week's blue-wave midterm elections, Van Hollen made it official in a Nov. 12 interview with MS NOW host Jen Psaki.
"The scale and scope of this victory, 56 Senate Democratic seats, really gives us a mandate and the votes to do big things," he told the TV host.
He argued that while voters
had clearly rejected Trump's policies, "they’ve not yet hired Democrats."
"We have to earn their trust," he said. "My view is that you can’t earn that trust with old leadership. You need to move on to new leadership."
A number of incoming Senate Democrats have not explicitly committed to backing Schumer as leader, despite steering the party to major, largely unexpected midterm victories in the Senate. In a statement on Nov. 12, he said he was confident he has the support to remain the majority leader.
"I welcome any discussion about the future of our caucus and the important work ahead," he said in a statement. "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."
Zachary Schermele is the congressional correspondent for USA TODAY. Reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com and on Signal @zachschermele.02. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Van Hollen officially challenges Chuck Schumer to lead Senate Democrats
