Chris Van Hollen to run for US Senate majority leader

Résumé détaillé

Van Hollen's entry into the race follows Democratic sweeps in elections and challenges veteran leader Schumer.

US Senator Chris Van Hollen has said he is running for Senate majority leader as Democrats gear up to take charge of the US Congress in January following a Democratic landslide in this month’s midterm elections.

Van Hollen said in a post on X late on Thursday that Americans had “called on us to unrig an economy rigged against working people & fueled by political corruption”.

“To deliver, we need new leadership,” he said, adding that “this isn’t about any one person – it’s about answering that call”.

Van Hollen has faced mounting calls to enter the race for Senate majority leader amid growing opposition to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer‘s continued tenure after he faced criticism over his handling of the Democratic caucus during the Trump presidency.

Responding to Van Hollen’s decision, Senator Chuck Schumer wrote on X “I welcome any discussion about the future of our caucus and the important work ahead”.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together—55 seats and counting is an amazing result—and I have the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader”, he said.

Schumer said he looked “forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering for the American people”.

US Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed from Michigan, who said he would not support Schumer as the majority leader in the Senate, welcomed Van Hollen’s decision to run.

In a post on X, El-Sayed said: “I called on Sen. Chris Van Hollen to lead our caucus as a candidate back in April because he leads with courage and experience.”

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