Van Hollen not running for Senate leader
The gist
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen said he is not looking to be the next Democratic leader.
Schumer still faces a December leadership vote and skeptical new senators.
How it unfolded
- Nov 16, 2025Van Hollen and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks stay out of calls to replace Chuck Schumer as Senate minority leader amid criticism of Schumer's leadership after Democrats' collapse on the shutdown.
- Jul 31, 2026Van Hollen declines to say whether he would support Schumer for continued Democratic leadership, saying he was focused on the 2026 elections.
- Aug 23, 2026On "Meet the Press," Van Hollen says his focus is "not on majority leader, it's on what Democrats stand for going into 2028," and confirms he is "kicking the tires" on a 2028 presidential bid.
Key terms
- Senate minority leader
- A U.S. senator chosen by their party caucus to serve as chief spokesperson and leader of the chamber's majority party.
- shutdown
- A government shutdown is when funding legislation is not enacted in time, halting non-essential federal services and furloughing workers.
Source: Wikipedia