Van Hollen to challenge Schumer for Senate Democratic leader, saying voters 'called for change'

POLITICS Van Hollen to challenge Schumer for Senate Democratic leader, saying voters 'called for change' By MARY CLARE JALONICK Friday, November 13, 2026 2:35AM Stream New York's #1 news - AccuWeather - original content 24/7 WASHINGTON -- Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said Thursday that he will run for Senate Majority Leader in the next Congress, setting up a challenge to Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer after the party swept to power in the midterm elections. Van Hollen said in a statement that "the American people called for change" and that is why he is running. "It's now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership," Van Hollen said. "This is not about any one person — it's about answering the call of the American people. That is why I'm running for Senate Majority Leader." Van Hollen's challenge comes after he said he was considering a bid and after Schumer has said he has the necessary support to win. The closed-door, secret-ballot election will be held in early December. AccuWeather Alert: Raw and windy Friday with snow north and west 22 minutes ago AccuTrack Radar Live Cracks found on facade months before Brooklyn building collapse 1 hour ago The race will be the first contested election for Democratic leader in decades. The question of whether to reelect Schumer has already divided the caucus and many senators will not say publicly how they will vote. They have privately deliberated about what message to take from the election, and Schumer recruited many of the party's winning candidates and raised money for them. Schumer has been talking to Democratic senators since the election about forming an agenda for 2027. "I'm going to win it," Schumer told The Associated Press in an interview last week. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics POLITICS U.S. & WORLD CHARLES SCHUMER SENATE Watch Live ON NOW AccuWeather Alert: Severe storm threat over; raw, cold Friday ahead 22 minutes ago AccuTrack Radar Live Cracks found on facade months before Brooklyn building collapse 1 hour ago Brooklyn building collapse live updates: 2 kids among 8 dead 2 hours ago 2 children among the 8 killed in Brooklyn building collapse 2 hours ago