Schumer's leadership rival reveals major Senate rule change he'd pursue if elected
SCHUMER'S FORMER ALLY MOUNTS LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE AS DEMOCRATS FACE RARE INTERNAL POWER STRUGGLE Van Hollen said, "We need democracy in the United States Senate, and that means allowing, ultimately, a majority of senators to answer the call of the American people.
Key points
- It presents a rare opportunity for Senate Democrats since there hasn’t been a contested Democratic leadership election since 1994.
- "It was put in there by senators to enhance their power over the power of the people." Van Hollen announced his challenge against Schumer, who has led Senate Democrats for nearly a decade, Thursday night after a listening campaign with Senate Democrats.
- Either candidate will need 28 votes in the secret ballot contest expected in early December or 29 if Democrats win Alaska, where ballots are still being counted in the Senate race between Democratic nominee Mary Peltola and incumbent Republican Sen.
THE MISTAKE NEWLY ELECTED DEMS ADMIT THEY CAN’T AFFORD TO MAKE WITH TRUMP AFTER SWEEPING 2026 WINS Some What’s Next attendees said Van Hollen could deliver the Senate leadership shake-up they want.
Additional details
- DENVER — A mile above much of the country, and leagues away from Washington, D.C., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is facing a progressive rebellion that threatens his grip on power.
- Van Hollen framed his challenge to Schumer as a response to voters’ calls for change after Democrats’ sweeping wins and President Donald Trump’s policies.
- "I’m no longer pursuing that," Van Hollen told reporters at the What’s Next conference in Denver, where Democratic leaders, strategists and activists gathered to debate the party’s direction after its midterm wins.
- "This is the time for us to really, really go after what is right for everyone, not the status quo." Ara, also of Denver, was optimistic about Van Hollen’s chances, saying she believes he already has significant support.
- Just a week earlier, Van Hollen was mulling higher office, but now he’s giving up a potential bid for the White House in 2028 to do one thing: beat Schumer and grapple with President Donald Trump.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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