Dem Sen. Chris Van Hollen boasts he has ‘very open lane’ to take Senate leadership from Schumer

Senator Chris Van Hollen says he has a “very open lane” to challenge Chuck Schumer for leadership of Senate Democrats, claiming around 15 senators support his bid and that backing is growing. The contest matters because it could change the party’s approach after the midterm elections, which Van Hollen says gave Democrats an opportunity to earn voters’ trust rather than return to business as usual.

Schumer, who has led Senate Democrats since 2017, says he has enough votes to remain leader; Van Hollen disputes claims that colleagues are firmly behind Schumer. He advocates economic populism and says the filibuster should eventually be reformed, though he would not immediately seek to abolish it and wants the caucus to discuss any change. The leadership election is scheduled for 1 December, and Van Hollen alleges Schumer’s allies want to bring it forward.