Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen Eyes 2028 Run, Rules Out Senate Majority Leader Bid

By Trend Desk · · 2 min read

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Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is drawing a clear line after Democrats’ midterm sweep: he is not running for Senate majority leader, a source close to him told NewsNation partners including The Hill, while telling FOX45 he expects to decide by early next year whether to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

The comments land as Democrats prepare to take both chambers of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term — and as Van Hollen presses the caucus to lock in a “bold” economic agenda before it locks in a leader.

Is Van Hollen challenging Schumer?

No, according to The Hill’s Nov. 5 report: a source close to Van Hollen said he is not planning to challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer for majority leader.

That does not mean a blank check. In his FOX45 interview Thursday, Van Hollen said Democrats should have “an open and honest discussion” about how to use the new majority before picking anyone to lead. He named ending the war in Iran and tackling the cost of living as priorities that should shape those talks.

Asked whether Democrats need new leadership, he avoided a direct verdict on Schumer and said whoever leads must “use our power responsibly but also boldly.” Schumer has separately said he expects to be reelected as leader, according to earlier coverage of the same leadership debate.

What did he say about 2028?

“This is not a leisurely process,” Van Hollen told FOX45 when asked when he would choose between a presidential bid and seeking reelection to the Senate (his term runs through January 2029). He said the decision needs to be made “certainly by early next year.”

He confirmed he will attend next week’s What’s Next summit in Denver, an event expected to draw other Democrats whose names are circulating for 2028. He said he has spoken with veterans of Barack Obama’s campaigns and will keep reaching out in Maryland and nationally. Asked about Gov. Wes Moore, another Maryland Democrat mentioned in 2028 speculation, Van Hollen praised Moore’s reelection without saying whether they had coordinated on a presidential path.

What agenda is he pushing?

Van Hollen argued the country is in a “populist moment” and that old progressive-vs.-moderate labels feel outdated. On affordability, FOX45 reported he highlighted:

  • Eliminating federal income taxes for some lower-income workers, paid for with a surtax on people earning more than $1 million
  • A wealth tax on billionaires
  • Support for Medicare for All
  • Ending the war in Iran, which he tied to higher consumer costs

He said Congress can run oversight hearings on Trump-era issues alongside cost-of-living legislation, and that Democrats should pass economic bills even if Trump might veto them.

FAQ

Is Van Hollen running for president?

Not yet. He says he will decide by early 2027.

Is he running for majority leader?

A source close to him told The Hill he is not seeking the job, while he still wants an agenda debate before the caucus chooses a leader.

Earlier coverage: Chris Van Hollen Weighs 2028 Presidential Run, Rules Out Senate Majority Leader Bid (Nov 5)

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