Merkley, senior Senate progressive, backs Van Hollen over Schumer

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee and an influential progressive voice in the Senate Democratic caucus, announced Friday that he will support Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) over Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to serve as majority leader next year.

“Americans are desperate to restore government by and for the people, not the privileged and powerful. We need leadership that carries that responsibility in their heart and gut. @ChrisVanHollen is that leader,” Merkley posted on the social platform X.

“He has my full support for Majority Leader,” he declared.

Merkley, who won reelection last week, came to the Senate in 2009, making him a senior member of the caucus. He is a leading voice on rules reform and rooting special interest money out of politics.

He said that he’s seen Van Hollen “rally support for the people against the powerful time and time again.”

“Politics as usual is unacceptable. The American people have given us the opportunity to deliver. Let’s seize the day and make it happen,” he said.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sens.-elect Abdul El-Sayed (D-Mich.) and Peggy Flanagan (D-Minn.) also say they will back Van Hollen for Senate majority leader.

Merkley also announced this week that he will seek to become chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in the next Congress.

Merkley said that as chair of that panel he would prioritize “taking toxics — ranging from asbestos to plastics to forever chemicals — that create significant health problems.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who serves as the ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, is set to become chair of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee next year.