After the sweeping victory over Trump, infighting erupts among Democrats in the Senate

WASHINGTON – The Democrats' sweeping victory in the United States midterm elections has triggered an unexpected internal battle. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen announced on Thursday that he will challenge Chuck Schumer for the leadership of the new Democratic majority in the Senate, amid growing calls for renewal within the party. The decision comes just one week after the Democrats regained control of the upper chamber, where they could reach up to 56 seats (so far they have 55, with Alaska still to be decided), their largest majority since the Barack Obama presidency. The internal election will be held on December 1, behind closed doors and by secret ballot. Schumer, 75, has led the Senate Democrats since 2017 and has never before faced a challenge to his post. Although he remains the favorite, his leadership is questioned by progressive sectors who believe he did not take a firm enough stance against President Donald Trump. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after the midterm electionsTOM BRENNER - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA "Voters called for big change, and this is the moment to respond to the needs of people across the country," said Van Hollen, 67, in an interview. "Now it is our turn to rise to this moment, and to do so we need new leadership," he said in a statement. "This is not about any particular person, but about answering the call of the American people. That is why I am running to lead the Senate majority." Divisions The challenge is especially significant because Schumer was key to the electoral victory, recruiting candidates, raising funds and recovering control of the Senate. However, those results failed to dispel the discontent of part of the Democratic base. Tensions intensified in 2025, when Schumer backed the Republicans in a budget vote, drawing criticism from activists demanding a more confrontational opposition to Trump. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen speaks with Kilmar Ábrego García in El SalvadorPress Office Senator Van HollenThe differences also extend to policy toward Israel. While Schumer has a long record of support for the country, though he has criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Van Hollen has become one of the leading critics of Israel's conduct in Gaza. Last year he attempted to enter the Palestinian territory on an investigative mission, and this year he voted to block arms sales to Israel, something Schumer did not do. Van Hollen, who arrived in the Senate in 2016 after 14 years in the House of Representatives, has also stood out for his confrontations with Trump. Last year he traveled to El Salvador to meet with Kilmar Abrego García, an immigrant and Maryland resident who had been illegally deported. Support for Van HollenVan Hollen's candidacy quickly won the backing of independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed, two progressive leaders. "The American people voted for change," Sanders wrote on X. "They want a Democratic Party that confronts powerful special interests, challenges the billionaire class and fights for working families." El-Sayed also endorsed the Maryland senator and stressed that the new bloc will need bold leadership with experience and courage. Van Hollen, who until last week was weighing a run for the presidency in 2028, explained that he decided to challenge Schumer after receiving requests from progressive organizations and newly elected senators. However, he rejected the notion that the dispute is merely ideological. According to him, the elections reflected Americans' frustration with an economy that favors billionaires and big economic interests, sustained by a corrupt political system. Schumer says he has the votesThe current Democratic leader responded with confidence, asserting that he has the support needed to remain in his post. "I'm going to win," Schumer said in an interview with The Associated Press last week. After Van Hollen's announcement, he reiterated his confidence in a statement: "I am proud of what we achieved together: 55 seats and counting is an extraordinary result, and I have the votes to continue as Democratic leader. I look forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering results for the American people." Schumer has already begun discussing with his colleagues an agenda for the first 100 days of 2027, which includes initiatives on health care, tariffs and efforts to halt the war with Iran. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer waits to speak with reporters after a closed-door meeting with other Democrats on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, January 28, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)J. Scott Applewhite - APSeveral senators publicly announced their support, including Sheldon Whitehouse, Kirsten Gillibrand, Ruben Gallego, Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen and senator-elect Sherrod Brown. Independent Angus King of Maine also defended him, comparing the situation to a baseball championship. "Why would you fire the coach right after winning the World Series?" he asked. Although many senators have still not revealed how they will vote, Schumer appears to be the favorite. Open challenges to Senate leadership are rare: in 2022, Republican Rick Scott tried to unseat Mitch McConnell but lost by a vote of 37 to 10. The December 1 election will determine who will lead the new Democratic majority and its strategy toward Trump, including the possibility of blocking presidential nominations and investigating his administration. Van Hollen acknowledges he starts at a disadvantage, but is confident that "the demand for change will outweigh the internal maneuvering." "A little democracy, every now and then, is a good thing within the walls of the Senate," he concluded. AP agency and The Washington Post