# Van Hollen challenges Schumer for Senate Democratic leader > Maryland senator becomes first to run against New York incumbent for majority leader role after Democrats' midterm gains. - Title: Van Hollen challenges Schumer for Senate Democratic leader - Summary: Maryland senator becomes first to run against New York incumbent for majority leader role after Democrats' midterm gains. Sen. - Keywords: chris van hollen, chuck schumer, senate democratic leader, senate majority leader, 2026 midterms, democratic caucus, bernie sanders, abdul el-sayed, angus king, kirsten gillibrand, NBC News - Source: NBC News — https://nbcnews.com/politics/congress/sen-chris-van-hollen-says-will-challenge-sen-chuck-schumer-majority-le-rcna609100 - Author: Frank Thorp V - Published: 2026-11-13T02:06:37.244+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: chris van hollen, chuck schumer, senate democratic leader, senate majority leader, 2026 midterms, democratic caucus, bernie sanders, abdul el-sayed, angus king, kirsten gillibrand, politics, news ## Van Hollen announces leadership bid 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. ## Van Hollen's case for change Van Hollen said the American people called for change from Donald Trump's policies and the status quo that isn't working for working people. He said new leadership is needed to answer that call. > 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. ## Grassroots push for alternative Van Hollen's move follows attempts by grassroots progressives and some newly elected Democratic senators to draft him as an alternative to Schumer for the leadership position. ## Van Hollen's platform Van Hollen plans to run on using every available tool to end the Iran war, starting with the upcoming government funding measure.He also proposes reversing Trump's policies, getting money out of politics, and tackling corruption. ## More than ten senators pledge support Van Hollen said in an interview Thursday night that more than ten senators have pledged to support him, though he acknowledged he is the underdog in the race against the incumbent. ## Schumer says he has the votes Schumer responded on X saying he has the votes to win and welcomed discussion about the caucus's future. He said he is proud of accomplishing fifty-five seats and counting. > 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 backs Van Hollen Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said Wednesday he would not back Schumer, saying the time is now for change. After Van Hollen's announcement, Sanders posted on X that he would support Van Hollen's bid. > The American people voted for change. They want a Democratic Party that will stand up to powerful special interests, take on the billionaire class and fight for working families. ## El-Sayed endorses Van Hollen Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan endorsed Van Hollen shortly after his announcement Thursday night, saying he leads with courage and experience and that Democrats need bold leadership to earn their mandate. > We need both right now. Which is why I'm proud to stand with him in his bid to lead our Senate majority. ## King defends Schumer's record Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said Schumer is one of the principal architects of Democrats' landslide midterm victories and questioned why you would fire the manager when you just won the World Series. > 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 praises Schumer's work Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., urged Democrats not to turn their backs on Schumer, saying no one put in more time and effort this cycle. > That takes vision. It takes clarity of thought. It takes strategic leadership, and that is what Sen. Schumer has done. ## Vote scheduled for December Democratic senators will hold a vote in December to choose their leadership for the next Congress. The vote is held behind closed doors and requires a simple majority of the caucus to win. ## Schumer remains favored Schumer, who has led the Senate Democratic caucus since two thousand seventeen, remains favored to retain the position. Still, this is likely the most serious challenge he has received for the job. ## Key takeaway Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced a challenge to Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic leader, citing calls for change from voters and promising new leadership on ending the Iran war and tackling corruption.