Van Hollen Announces Challenge to Schumer

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced he will challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic leader, arguing voters demanded change and Democrats need new leadership to deliver on the economy and other priorities. The caucus vote is scheduled for Dec. 1. Schumer says he has enough votes to remain leader and points to Democrats’ election gains, while Bernie Sanders and several incoming Democratic senators have backed Van Hollen. Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin has said she will not support Schumer, while Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Cory Booker have expressed support for him. The contest will determine who leads Senate Democrats as they prepare to take control of the chamber in the next Congress.