Race for Senate leadership heats up following 2026 midterms

A Maryland senator is eyeing the leadership role of the Democratic Party as folks across the country call for the replacement of minority leader Chuck Schumer. Chad Pergram has the latest from Capitol Hill. We understand that this will be a competition. Maryland's Chris Van Hollen says midterm wins spurred his candidacy. I think it's important to give Senate Democrats a choice. That's what we just gave voters all over the country, a choice. They chose change. Chuck Schumer has led Senate Democrats for a decade. Van Hollen is nine years younger than the 75-year-old minority leader. At least eight Democrats who will help choose the next majority leader expressed reservations about Schumer. I've been open that I'm not voting for Senator Schumer. The revolt reveals fractures between moderates and progressives, plus old and new. Even Schumer's hometown mayor, Diston. I care less about who it is, and I care more about what they do with that power. Schumer has vocal supporters. Chris Van Hollen is a great colleague, but I'm supporting Chuck Schumer. But one Schumer ally says what gets done outweighs who does it. I think no matter who is leader, we're going to deliver on this agenda. Broken, but f***ing build upon. Friction threatens to derail Democrats. Demand impeachment! Leftist heckling prospective House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries. Republicans watching the Democrats' discord. I think there's really a fight for the soul of the Democratic Party. Some incoming progressives contend there's no internal strife. People try to say we're fractured as a party. In reality, we're all working on the same message. Other Democrats say some dissent is natural. The wonderful thing about my party is we're more than happy to duke it out. Schumer welcomes a discussion about Democratic leadership, but adds that he, quote, has the votes to become The next majority leader on Capitol Hill, Chad Pergram, Fox News.