- The attempt to oust Schumer (D-N.Y.) underscores that deep divisions plague the Democratic Party despite its overwhelming midterm success.
- Van Hollen (D-Md.) has served in the Senate since 2017 and in Congress since 2003.
- Schumer has been the Democratic leader in the Senate since 2017 and has served in the Senate since 1999.
Driving the news: “In this election, the American people called for change,” Van Hollen said in a statement Thursday.
- “They called for a change from Donald Trump’s disastrous policies – but more importantly, a change from the status quo that isn’t working for working people.”
“It’s now up to us to respond to this moment, and to do that, we need new leadership. It’s not about one person, it’s about answering the call of the American people. That’s why I’m running for Senate Majority Leader.”
- In a personal statement, Schumer said, “I have the votes to continue as Democratic leader.”
Zoom: Van Hollen acknowledged he was the “underdog” in the race, but claimed Thursday on MS NOW that he had “more than 10” senators on his side.
- “(T)he time for change is now,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said Tuesday. He appeared with Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), who demanded a plan for change from the party leadership.
- Progressives have accused Schumer of not fighting hard enough against President Trump and the MAGA agenda.
- At least six senators-elect, including Abdul El-Sayed (D-Mich.), Adam Hamilton (Kansas), Julia Stratton (Ill.), Peggy Flanagan (Minn.), Troy Jackson (Maine) and Annie Andrews (S.C.) have said they will not support Schumer for president. El-Sayed immediately supported Van Hollen upon entering the race.
The other side: Schumer enjoys more public support at this point than Van Hollen.
- This includes Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Senator-elect Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Democratic Senators John Fetterman (Pa.), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii) and Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island).
Editor’s note: This is a breaking news story that has been updated.
Gn headline
