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Slotkin, Van Hollen emerge as potential challengers to Schumer’s Senate leadership

A growing number of Democrats are calling for new leadership in the Senate to replace Schumer, arguing that the party needs a leader who better reflects its generational and ideological shift to the left.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) speaks at a press conference on China AI export controls at the U.S. Capitol on September 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. Slotkin, joined by fellow Senate Democrats, urged Senate Republican's and the Trump administration to enact stronger export controls on AI technology and computer chips to China. The Democrats also call for a vote on bipartisan export control legislation, including the AI OVERWATCH Act, the MATCH Act, and the Chip Security Act. (
U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) speaks at a press conference on China AI export controls at the U.S. Capitol on September 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. — Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is facing the prospect of leadership challenges within his own party, with Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin weighing potential bids for the party’s top spot in the Senate.

Chris Van Hollen

Sen. Van Hollen, a progressive Democrat who has criticized Schumer’s leadership, has received a growing number of calls encouraging him to challenge the New York senator and is now actively considering the possibility, Punchbowl News reported Monday, citing a person familiar with his thinking.

Speaking on Saturday at a Crooked Media event, Van Hollen said, “we need to have a discussion in the Democratic caucus.” He added, “nobody should get a blank check without a full understanding from the caucus as to where we’re going to go.”

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