Progressive Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said he will challenge Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader in the new Congress. He cited rising party pressure for a more ambitious, populist agenda after Democrats’ recent historic gai

2026-11-13

Progressive Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said he will challenge Chuck Schumer for Senate majority leader in the new Congress. He cited rising party pressure for a more ambitious, populist agenda after Democrats’ recent historic gains. The challenge is Schumer’s first major leadership test since taking the top party post and comes amid weak poll support. In a Thursday evening statement Van Hollen said Americans are calling for change, for reversal of Trump’s “disastrous” policies and for a system that works for the working class, and added his bid is meant to respond to that demand.