Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced Thursday that he would challenge Chuck Schumer for the top Democratic leadership role in the Senate, arguing the party needs to take a more populist direction.
“In this election, the American people called for change. They called for a change from Donald Trump’s disastrous policies — but even bigger than that, a change from the status quo that isn’t working for working people,” Van Hollen, who represents Maryland, said in a statement obtained by The Washington Sun.
“It’s now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership,” he added. “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, a favorite among progressives who is also considering a run for president, has been critical of Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, accusing them of siding with the cryptocurrency industry and AIPAC against progressive candidates.
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Schumer said earlier this week that he is confident he already has more than enough support to be reelected leader.
“I am going to be elected leader, OK, and we’re united on the issues. We’re united,” Schumer told The Sun.
The Democratic leadership elections are expected to take place in early December.
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