Van Hollen hasn’t 'closed the door’ on challenging Schumer for top Senate Democratic post

US Sen. Chris Van Hollen said Monday that he hasn’t “closed the door” on challenging Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer for the party's top leadership post.

Van Hollen told reporters on Capitol Hill that he is in “listening mode” about a possible run for majority leader.

“What I’ve said from the very beginning is we shouldn’t have a coronation,” said the Maryland senator.

“My view is that we should have a full caucus discussion before anybody makes any decision.”

Pressed on whether he would consider a run against Schumer, Van Hollen said: “I have said that I am in listening mode.”

Asked if he is open to it, he said: “I haven’t closed the door.”

Democrats won control of the Senate in the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Schumer has led Senate Democrats since 2017 and said last week that he expects to keep the job.

“I’ll be re-elected as majority leader,” he said.

Several incoming Democratic senators have indicated that they will not back Schumer. Among them is Michigan Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed, who said he will support Van Hollen to lead the caucus.