Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen will forgo a Senate leadership bid to focus on a potential 2028 presidential candidacy.
Mr. Van Hollen, who has aligned himself with the left wing of his party, told The Washington Post on Wednesday that he did not consider Senate leadership the best way to advocate for a new direction for the Democratic Party.
“As I’ve said, I’m very actively kicking the tires on 2028 because I think that these debates will be resolved during that process,” he said, denying speculation that he might challenge Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, for the leadership post.
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Mr. Van Hollen added, “I do believe that is where this debate about the future of the Democratic Party and the future of politics in America will be centered.”
The Senate majority leader, who is chosen by a vote of the party in control of the chamber, sets the legislative agenda on the Senate floor.
Mr. Van Hollen established ties with his party’s socialist wing as an early backer of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s candidacy last year.
The Marylander has criticized America’s military support for Israel and called for fellow Democratic candidates to reject donations from pro-Israel groups.
Also, he’s for Medicare for all.
After Election Day, Abdul-El Sayed, Michigan’s Democratic senator-elect, reiterated his support for Mr. Van Hollen should he run.
“I am for Chris Van Hollen. If he decides he wants to be Senate Majority Leader, I think he’d be amazing at the job,” he said.
Mr. Van Hollen has not committed to backing Mr. Schumer.
“My view is that whoever’s going to be the next majority leader in the United States Senate needs to make clear to the caucus that he or she is going to do everything within our power to end the illegal and senseless war in Iran and do it now,” Mr. Van Hollen told Washington’s WTTG.
He added, “I don’t think it’s radical to say that the Democratic Senate Caucus, including our new members, should meet and ask whoever is seeking to be the Democratic leader in the Senate what the plan is to answer the call from the American people from Tuesday.”
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