Driving the news: Van Hollen (D-Maryland), a senator since 2017, announced Thursday that he was challenging Schumer because “we need new leadership.”
- “It’s not about one person, it’s about answering the call of the American people.”
The other side: Schumer enjoys far more public support than Van Hollen.
- “Why would you fire the manager when you just won the World Series?” Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said in a statement his support for Schumer.
- Van Hollen disputed Schumer’s claim to attribute the party’s performance to the midterms, arguing that the wave was fueled by voters rather than Washington leaders.
In figures: Schumer has the public support of 14 senators, including himself, compared to five for Van Hollen. A candidate will need 28 or 29 votes to win, depending on the outcome of the Alaska Senate race, where votes are still being counted.
Senators support Van Hollen
State of affairs: Van Hollen told MS NOW he has “more than 10” senators on his side, although only four have publicly supported him.
- Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed Van Hollen Thursday night, saying he would fight for working families.
- Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed (D-Michigan) threw his support behind Van Hollen when he announced his challenge Thursday.
- Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) issued an endorsement for Van Hollen Friday afternoon.
- New Senator Peggy Flanagan (D-Minn.) endorsed Van Hollen Friday morning after previously calling for new leadership.
Who wants new leadership?
Some current senators called for a change in leadership without supporting Van Hollen.
- Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) called for change but did not support either candidate.
- Before Van Hollen announced his candidacy, Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) told NBC 5 that Democrats “are absolutely committed to change” but did not rule out supporting Schumer.
Several senators elected Democrats also called for new leadership:
Context: Progressive critics say Schumer hasn’t fought hard enough against President Trump and his agenda.
- Schumer’s decision to help advance a Republican-backed government funding bill in March 2025 has fueled the progressive backlash against his leadership.
- The Progressive Working Families Party urged Schumer “not to seek another term as Senate Democratic leader” in a letter, as first reported by Axios. Another labor group also opposed Schumer and supported Van Hollen.
Who supports Schumer?
Schumer entered The leadership fight has broad support among Senate Democrats.
- “I have the votes to continue as Democratic leader,” Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement this week.
Schumer’s public supporters include Senator-elect Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), and King, as well as Schumer himself.
Senators who have not chosen their side
Several sitting senators have not yet publicly supported either candidate.
The 2028 factor
Several potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election face a choice over who should lead Senate Democrats.
- Ossoff and Booker, both possible 2028 presidential candidates, have yet to choose sides, leaving them to choose between the party’s longtime leader and a changing of the guard.
- Meanwhile, Gallego and Kelly, also considered possible 2028 contenders, supported Schumer.
Zoom out: Schumer himself is up for re-election in 2028 and could face a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who has also been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate.
- Schumer could also retire rather than seek re-election.
What’s next: Senate Democrats will hold a secret ballot leadership election on December 1.
- New senators will participate and members may vote differently from their public support.
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