Chris Van Hollen Rules Out Challenging Schumer but Refuses to Back Him

Democrats just won control of Congress, but the fight over who leads them in the Senate is already heating up, and Chuck Schumer is right in the middle of it.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, one of the names most often floated as a possible Schumer replacement, said he will not challenge the New Yorker for the top job.

"I've made clear that I'm not looking to be the next Democratic leader," Van Hollen told FOX 5 DC. Instead, he said he is weighing something bigger. "I've been kicking the tires on a 2028 presidential election," he said.

'No Coronation'

Van Hollen pointedly declined to endorse Schumer. He said Saturday that Schumer should not get another term simply because Democrats did well in the midterms.

READ MORE: Abdul El-Sayed Refuses to Back Chuck Schumer, Says Chris Van Hollen Would Be an Amazing Leader

"There should be no coronation of the next Democratic leader," Van Hollen said. He added that "nobody should get a blank check without a full understanding of the caucus as to where we're going to go."

"I think it's important that the Senate Democratic Caucus have a full and open debate before we select the next leader, whoever that may be," Van Hollen previously told FOX 5. "I don't think it should be automatic. And I think we need to have a plan, and we need to make it clear we're going to be united by a common plan."

He said Democrats should agree on an agenda first and then choose the person to carry it out. He wants the next leader to prioritize ending the conflict with Iran and pursuing an aggressive economic agenda.

Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed had floated Van Hollen for leader both during his campaign and after his victory.

Schumer Insists He's Staying

Schumer has led Senate Democrats since 2017 and says he expects to keep the job. "I'll be reelected as majority leader," he told reporters Wednesday. "The issue is not me," he added. "The issue is focusing on the American people and what they want."

Democrats are expected to hold between 54 and 56 seats when the new Congress begins in January. But several incoming senators are openly resisting him.

READ MORE: Chuck Schumer Calls for "Generational Remaking of the Map," Targeting Texas and Iowa

Minnesota Sen.-elect Peggy Flanagan said, "I think it is time for new leadership." Kansas Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton was even blunter: "I'm not supporting Schumer for leader." Hamilton said Democrats need "new, younger leadership."

Maine Sen.-elect Troy Jackson said he told Schumer directly that he will support someone else. Illinois Sen.-elect Juliana Stratton campaigned on replacing Schumer, and South Carolina Sen.-elect Annie Andrews has called for "generational change."

Texas Sen.-elect James Talarico and New Hampshire Sen.-elect Chris Pappas have also declined to give him firm endorsements.

Sitting Senators Join the Debate

The pushback is not limited to newcomers. Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin declined Saturday to endorse Schumer and would not rule out running for leader herself.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly said he plans to support Schumer but acknowledged that Democrats need to operate differently.

So far, no one has formally announced a challenge. Van Hollen's decision removes one of the most likely contenders, but his refusal to back Schumer shows the pressure on the longtime leader is far from over. Schumer, meanwhile, has made clear he has no plans to step aside, insisting the focus should be on what voters want.