Chris Van Hollen Challenges Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic Majority Leader in December Vote

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland announced Thursday that he is challenging Senator Chuck Schumer of New York for Senate Democratic majority leader, becoming the first senator to formally enter the race against Schumer. Van Hollen framed his bid as a response to voter demand for change, saying Democrats need "new leadership" to meet the moment after the midterm elections.

Democrats performed strongly in the November midterms, flipping at least eight seats and giving the caucus at least 55 senators entering January. Despite that wave, frustration with Schumer among progressives and newly elected members has grown, and Van Hollen said he is "answering the call of the American people" to break from the status quo. Schumer, for his part, has said he has the votes to win.

The leadership election is conducted by closed ballot and is scheduled for December 1. Several returning Democrats and most incoming freshman senators have declined to publicly back Schumer, though he needs only a simple majority of the caucus to hold his position. Van Hollen's challenge is widely described as an uphill battle.