Van Hollen Claims 15 Backers in Bid to Oust Schumer as Senate Democratic Leader Race Widens
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 15
Van Hollen Claims 15 Backers in Bid to Oust Schumer as Senate Democratic Leader Race Widens
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 15
Summary
Chris Van Hollen said Sunday that 15 Democratic colleagues now support his bid to replace Chuck Schumer as Senate majority leader, up from more than 10 previously, and called the Dec. 1 secret-ballot contest “wide open.”
A simple caucus majority will decide the race, and Democrats are set to hold at least 55 seats next year including allied independents, even as Schumer says he already has enough commitments to win another two-year term.
Van Hollen argued Schumer’s support is softer than advertised and accused allies of trying to move up the election date to cut off debate, though people familiar with the talks said any discussion of an earlier vote was not being driven by Schumer.
He framed the challenge around policy and party direction, opposing any further funding for the war with Iran and criticizing Schumer’s role in Democratic primaries, while Schumer allies point to several Senate pickups by candidates he recruited.