Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is backing Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., for the role of Senate Democratic leader.
“The American people voted for change. They want a Democratic Party that will stand up to powerful special interests, take on the billionaire class and fight for working families. That is why I am supporting Senator Chris Van Hollen to lead Senate Democrats,” Sanders said in a Thursday post on X.
Van Hollen threw his hat into the ring for the role on Thursday, mounting a challenge against current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is looking to retain the Senate Democratic leader position to serve as Senate majority leader next year.
“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,” Van Hollen said in a Thursday post on X.
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Schumer asserted in a post that he has the support to retain his leadership position: “I welcome any discussion about the future of our caucus and the important work ahead. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together—55 seats and counting is an amazing result—and I have the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader. I look forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering for the American people.”
Sanders had said during a Tuesday press conference that he would not support Schumer for re-election as Senate Democratic leader.
During an interview on an episode of “The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart,” Sanders said that he would support Van Hollen if he decided to run for the role.
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Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated President Donald Trump-backed former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan’s 2026 U.S. Senate contest, is also backing Van Hollen.
“The American public spoke clearly last week. They rejected Trumpism. But we have yet to earn our mandate. That will require bold leadership. I called on Sen. @ChrisVanHollen to lead our caucus as a candidate back in April because he leads with courage and experience. We need both right now. Which is why I’m proud to stand with him in his bid to lead our Senate majority,” El-Sayed wrote in a Thursday post on X when sharing Van Hollen’s announcement.
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Republican National Committee national press secretary Natalie Baldassarre said in a statement posted on X that “Chris Van Hollen cares more about a Salvadoran gang member than working families. This leadership brawl previews the D.C. Democrats’ agenda: chaos, infighting, and a race to see who can sell their soul to the far left fastest. Whoever is the winner gets to lead the charge to open our borders, shred our Constitution, and treat taxpayers like bottomless ATMs.”