Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) confirmed Sunday that he is exploring a potential run for the White House in 2028, pointing to recent visits to early-voting states and calling for a broader debate over the direction of the Democratic Party.
Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, Van Hollen told moderator Kristen Welker that he is actively evaluating the political landscape ahead of the next presidential cycle.
“I think Democrats need to be very clear not just what we’re against, but what we’re for,” Van Hollen said. “And I very much want to be part of that debate, and I am kicking the tires, testing the waters.”
When asked directly whether his comments signaled an intention to run for president, Van Hollen cited recent outreach in key early primary states.
“I’m kicking the tires, meaning I’ve been to New Hampshire. I was invited to go there. I was invited to go out to Iowa last summer,” Van Hollen said. “I think there’s a great deal of churning within the Democratic Party, and I support that. As I said, I think we need this healthy debate. Because I don’t think Democrats have put forward a clear alternative to the Trump administration.”
Welker pressed the Maryland lawmaker on whether he is mulling a bid for Senate Democratic leadership, noting a recent endorsement from progressive organizer Abdul El-Sayed backing Van Hollen as a potential Senate Majority Leader if Democrats regain the chamber. Van Hollen dismissed the prospect, stating his attention remains centered on the national platform.
“I’ve been very clear that my focus is not on Majority Leader. It’s on what Democrats stand for going into 2028,” Van Hollen said.
Reflecting on the party’s recent electoral performance, Van Hollen argued that economic messaging must change following the 2024 election.
“Look, what happened in 2024 is that voters were so upset with the status quo that they voted for a convicted felon, Donald Trump,” Van Hollen said. “And my view is Democrats need to really stand for something. We need to be against the status quo. And that’s why I’ve been kicking the tires as I look at 2028, because I don’t think the Democratic Party has answered the call about how we’re going to make sure we have an economy that really does work for everybody, especially working people.”
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