Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he will challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer for majority leader
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he will "welcome any discussion about the future of our caucus" after Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., announced his bid for leader.GettyShareAdd NBC News to GoogleNov. 12, 2026, 9:03 PM EST / Updated Nov. 12, 2026, 9:06 PM ESTBy Frank Thorp V and Sahil KapurWASHINGTON — Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., announced Thursday he will run for Senate majority leader, becoming the first to challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for the position.
“In this election, the American people called for change. They called for a change from Donald Trump’s disastrous policies — but even bigger than that, a change from the status quo that isn’t working for working people,” Van Hollen said in a statement.
Van Hollen’s move follows attempts by grassroots progressives — and some newly elected Democratic senators — to draft him for the position as some seek an alternative to Schumer.
“It’s now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership. This is not about any one person — it’s about answering the call of the American people. That is why I’m running for Senate Majority Leader,” he added.
Schumer, who has led the Senate Democratic caucus since 2017, remains favored to retain the position of Democratic leader. Still, it’s likely to be the most serious challenge he has gotten for the job.
Democratic senators will hold a vote in December to choose their leadership for the next Congress. That vote is held behind closed doors and requires a simple majority of the caucus.
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Schumer responded on X to Van Hollen’s announcement, asserting he has the votes to win.
“I welcome any discussion about the future of our caucus and the important work ahead. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together—55 seats and counting is an amazing result—and I have the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader,” he said. “I look forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering for the American people.”
Frank Thorp VFrank Thorp V is a coordinating producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the Senate.
Sahil KapurSahil Kapur is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.
