Key facts
- Van Hollen said Democrats should have a caucus discussion about the power invested in them, not a coronation.
- Van Hollen said he has not shut the door on leading the Senate Democratic caucus.
- El-Sayed said Van Hollen would be an amazing Senate majority leader and the choice is his to make.
- Hamilton said Schumer is kind of a polarizing figure where he lives in Kansas.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, told reporters on November 10, 2026, that he is "in listening mode and haven't shut the door" on becoming Senate majority leader, a role he has been discussed for as his party prepares for the next Congress.
Van Hollen said the decision should not be a coronation. "We should have a caucus discussion about what we're going to do with the power and responsibilities that have been invested in us," he said, adding that nobody should be making commitments before that discussion.
The comments follow renewed support from Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, who said on CNN that Van Hollen would be an "amazing Senate majority leader" and that pursuing the role is Van Hollen's choice. Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton of Kansas said on NBC's Meet the Press that many people in his state see Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as "kind of a polarizing figure," while saying he means no disrespect to Schumer.