Van Hollen says no one should commit to Schumer as majority leader. Then 4 newly elected senators join the revolt: ‘Not a time for incrementalism’

Senator Chris Van Hollen made it clear on Wednesday that Democratic senators should hold off on committing to Senator Chuck Schumer as their next majority leader. The Maryland senator argued that the party needs to secure a promise for a bold policy agenda before backing anyone for the top spot. He pointed to the current cost-of-living crisis under President Donald Trump as a major reason why the party must change its approach.

As reported by Bloomberg, Van Hollen stated, “Working people have been screwed for way too long, and we need to unrig an economy that’s been built to serve billionaires and big corporations.” He added, “It’s not a time for incrementalism. It’s a time to move forward a very bold kitchen table agenda.”

While Van Hollen does not plan to pursue the leadership role himself, he believes the caucus should prioritize policy goals over individual support. He noted that “no one should be committing to anybody as the next Democratic leader” without a clear plan for the future. He emphasized the necessity of these demands by stating, “We need commitments.”

This push for change is gaining traction among several newly elected senators

Adam Hamilton from Kansas, Troy Jackson from Maine, Juliana Stratton from Illinois, and Peggy Flanagan from Minnesota have all stated they will not support Schumer for another term as leader. Other incoming senators like James Talarico from Texas and Abdul El-Sayed from Michigan have stopped short of an endorsement, suggesting that the caucus should look at different options.

Flanagan spoke about the shift in political priorities on Wednesday. She said, “We are at the point of a new movement in this country.” She further explained, “Many of us were elected who refused corporate PAC money and are only beholden to the people who elected us—and are ready to fight for bold change.” She also mentioned, “I think it’s time for a new leadership,” and noted, “and I’m eager to work in partnership with my new colleagues to get that done.”

Advocacy groups are also getting involved in the conversation. Indivisible and Our Revolution have both publicly asked for the Senate Democratic caucus to move on from Schumer. Indivisible posted on social media on Wednesday, “Contact your senators and demand they oppose another term for Chuck Schumer as leader—and insist on a public and transparent process for choosing new leadership.” The group also claimed, “Schumer has a lower approval rating than Trump. After our seismic wins, we need new leadership to define this new era of politics.”

Despite the growing pressure and the specific opposition from these new members, Schumer seems confident in his position. He has held the lead spot for nearly ten years and brushed aside the idea of a challenge on Wednesday. When speaking to reporters, he said with certainty, “I’ll be reelected as majority leader.”