Van Hollen challenges Schumer for Senate Democratic leadership after midterm gains

Chris Van Hollen says he will challenge Chuck Schumer for the Senate Democratic leadership, arguing that voters want new leadership and an end to “business as usual”. The bid highlights tensions between the party’s left wing and Schumer, who remains in the role despite Democrats’ strong midterm gains.

Van Hollen said he has support from more than ten senators, and independent Bernie Sanders has backed him. He criticised Schumer for favouring establishment candidates in contested primaries and called for Democrats to use their Senate power to stop US funding for the war in Iran, which he described as illegal and senseless.