From NBC Bay Area · · 1m 10s
Sen. Chris Van Hollen Challenges Sen. Chuck Schumer for Majority Leader
Sen. Chris Van Hollen announces run for Senate majority leader, challenging Sen. Chuck Schumer.
In brief
Sen. Chris Van Hollen announces run for Senate majority leader, challenging Sen. Chuck Schumer. Sen. Chris Van Hollen will challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader position in December vote. Originally reported by NBC Bay Area.
Van Hollen Announces Challenge
Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he will challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader 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's Motivation
Van Hollen claims he is answering the call of the American people for change in leadership.
“This is not about any one person, it’s about answering the call of the american people”
Supporters for Van Hollen
Over 10 senators pledged to support Van Hollen for the leadership role.
“We have a lot of people, but here’s the thing about an election like this: As you say, I’m the underdog”
Schumer's Response
Schumer states he has the votes to retain Democratic leadership position.
“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”
Sanders and El-Sayed Support
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed endorse Van Hollen for leadership.
“I called on sen @chrisvanhollen to lead our caucus as a candidate back in april because he leads with courage and experience”
Schumer's Continued Support
Longtime colleagues maintain support for Schumer despite Van Hollen's challenge.
“Chuck schumer is one of the principal architects of the most successful election in modern history, and i see no reason to change the leadership that helped make that success possible”
Gillibrand's Endorsement
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand urges Democrats not to turn back on Schumer.
“That takes vision. It takes clarity of thought. It takes strategic leadership, and that is what sen schumer has done”
December Leadership Vote
Democratic senators will vote in December to choose their leadership for the next Congress.
“Democratic senators will hold a vote in december to choose their leadership for the next congress”
What matters most
Sen. Chris Van Hollen will challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader position in December vote.
