El-Sayed backs potential Van Hollen challenge to Chuck Schumer's leadership

Schumer has led the Democrats in the upper chamber for years, including in the majority and minority.

By Ben Whedon

Published: November 5, 2026 2:11pm

Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed, D-Mich., on Thursday said he would support Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., if he chose to challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for the post of majority leader in the next Congress.

Schumer has led the Democrats in the upper chamber for years, including in the majority and minority. But some progressives have expressed discontent with his leadership and speculation has abounded that he may face a challenge to his leadership, despite the party's landslide midterm wins on Tuesday.

Speaking to CNN, El-Sayed said he would back Van Hollen for the post, though he has not announced any plans to challenge Schumer as of press time.

“I’ve been very clear: I think he’d be an amazing Senate majority leader,” El-Sayed said, before hinting that Van Hollen may have his eye on the presidency instead.

Schumer is expected to seek the post of majority leader in the next Congress, however, and as of press time, he does not appear to face any challengers.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.