# Progressive challenge to Senate leader

> Progressive senator challenges Schumer for Senate leadership, demanding immediate Iran war defunding.
- Title: Progressive challenge to Senate leader · The Japan Times
- Summary: Progressive senator challenges Schumer for Senate leadership, demanding immediate Iran war defunding. Sen. Chris Van Hollen challenges Sen.
- Keywords: senator, chuck schumer, chris van hollen, iran war, senate leadership, democratic party, The Japan Times
- Source: The Japan Times — https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/11/14/world/politics/progressive-challenge-senate-schumer
- Author: No Author
- Published: 2026-11-14T00:50:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: senator, chuck schumer, chris van hollen, iran war, senate leadership, democratic party, news, politics, world
## Progressive challenge to Senate leader
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a progressive from Maryland, challenges Sen. Chuck Schumer to lead the Senate next year.
## Iran war defunding demand
Van Hollen calls for immediate defunding of Iran war, not postponing until new Congress.
## Schumer's response
Schumer says Democrats should use purse power to end Iran war but lacks strategy.
## Election mandate for change
Van Hollen claims sweeping Democratic election victories mandate big economic changes for working people.
## Key takeaway

Sen. Chris Van Hollen challenges Sen. Chuck Schumer to lead Senate with bolder agenda on Iran war and corporate power.