PoliticsTrending
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland is running for Senate majority leader, challenging Chuck Schumer, after Democrats won control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has declared he is running for Senate majority leader as Democrats prepare to take charge of the US Congress in January following a Democratic landslide in the November 2026 midterm elections, according to Al Jazeera.
Van Hollen announced his candidacy in a post on X late on Thursday, writing that Americans had “called on us to unrig an economy rigged against working people & fueled by political corruption.” He added: “To deliver, we need new leadership,” and “this isn’t about any one person – it’s about answering that call. That’s why I’m running.”
The challenge comes amid growing opposition to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s continued tenure, over criticism of his handling of the Democratic caucus during the Trump presidency, Al Jazeera reports.
US Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan said he will not support Schumer as majority leader and welcomed Van Hollen’s decision to run. In a post on X, El-Sayed said: “I called on Sen. Chris Van Hollen to lead our caucus as a candidate back in April because he leads with courage and experience. We need both right now. Which is why I’m proud to stand with him in his bid to lead our Senate majority.”
Van Hollen is a Democratic senator from Maryland who has been in Congress since 2003. He was born in 1959 in Karachi, Pakistan. His father was a Foreign Service officer who later served as the US deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern and South Asian affairs. His mother worked at the CIA and the US Department of State.
Al Jazeera describes him as known for his antiwar position and for championing progressive causes, and notes his prominence for opposition during the second term of US President Donald Trump.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
G7 foreign ministers warned that China's increasingly assertive actions in waters east of Taiwan threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced he will challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader. The leadership vote is scheduled for December.
