Van Hollen open to Senate leadership run
The gist
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he is not seeking the Senate Democratic leader job.
His stance leaves the fight over Chuck Schumer's leadership open as Democrats take control.
How it unfolded
- Jun 25, 2026Van Hollen backs progressive Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, the first senator to back El-Sayed since Sen. Bernie Sanders.
- Aug 12, 2026Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan says she is open to Van Hollen becoming the next Senate majority leader, calling him "a tremendous leader."
- Aug 17, 2026Van Hollen is among names discussed to someday become Senate Democratic leader; a source says "Van Hollen is interested, and the progressives like him more."
Key terms
- Senate Democratic leader
- A U.S. senator chosen by their party caucus to serve as chief spokesperson and leader of the chamber's majority party.
- midterms
- US general elections held near the midpoint of a president's four-year term, when all House seats and about a third of Senate seats are contested.
Source: Wikipedia