00:02Progressive U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland says that he will run for
00:07Senate's majority leader in the next Congress, setting up a challenge to Democratic leader
00:12Chuck Schumer after the party swept to power in the midterm elections. Long-term leader Schumer
00:18has faced growing calls from some in his party to step aside for new leadership. Van Hollen,
00:25who has support from some of the more vocal progressives within the party,
00:28is the first senator to openly challenge Schumer. Van Hollen said that he is running because the
00:35American people called for change. Left-wing independent Senator Bernie Sanders said this
00:41week that he would not support Schumer in continuing his role. Notable newly elected
00:46Michigan Senator Abdul El-Sayed has also said that he will back Van Hollen. Schumer said he welcomed
00:53a discussion about the future of the party, but insisted that he has the votes to continue as
00:58Democratic leader. Serious questions over Schumer's leadership began to appear in spring 2025 when
01:05he faced criticism for voting with Republicans on a spending bill. It will be the first contested
01:11election for Democratic leader in decades.
