Chris Van Hollen Has A Chance To Bring Real Change To Senate Democrats
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) can offer Senate Democrats an opportunity to change direction, even if he doesn’t win the Majority Leader election against Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says he already has the votes locked up to be named Senate Majority Leader. Schumer has said it. Other Senators, such as Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), have said it.
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The math is definitely in Schumer’s favor, but that doesn’t mean Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s campaign for Majority Leader isn't important.
Van Hollen’s campaign is even more important, because Chuck Schumer has demonstrated in the past that if he is allowed to coast, it is bad for Senate Democrats and the country.
Van Hollen announced on X that he was running for Majority Leader:
In this election, Americans called on us to unrig an economy rigged against working people & fueled by political corruption. To deliver, we need new leadership. This isn't about any one person – it’s about answering that call. That's why I’m running for Senate Majority Leader.
The roots of the most recent discontent and distrust of Schumer go back to the first government funding deadline after Trump returned to office, and Schumer caved to the administration while getting nothing in return.
It was a bad decision that left Democrats, from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to members of Schumer’s own Senate caucus, livid.
Sen. Schumer did course correct, but the damage was done.
The seeds were sown, and Schumer’s previous behavior demonstrates why he needs to have his feet held to the fire today.
Van Hollen faces an uphill battle, but victory is possible.
If Chuck Schumer has the votes locked up to be elected Majority Leader, here is how victory is possible.