Van Hollen challenges Schumer for Senate Democratic leadership after midterms

Maryland senator Chris Van Hollen is challenging Chuck Schumer for the Senate Democrats’ leadership after the party’s strong midterm showing. He argues the result signalled a demand for change in Washington and that Democrats need new leadership to address economic and political systems he says favour the wealthy and powerful.

Democrats have secured at least 55 Senate seats, and the caucus is due to choose its leader by secret ballot next month. A candidate needs a majority, about 28 or 29 senators; Van Hollen says he has support from more than 10. Bernie Sanders and incoming senator Abdul El-Sayed have endorsed him, while Schumer, who has led Senate Democrats since 2017, says he welcomes debate and has enough votes to win again.