Van Hollen Explores 2028 Democratic Presidential Run

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said on Sunday that he is exploring a potential run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, signaling he is actively testing the waters for a campaign. The announcement came during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," where the senator stated he has already visited the early nominating states of New Hampshire and Iowa.

Van Hollen, who has served in the Senate since 2017, framed his potential candidacy around a need for the Democratic Party to offer a clear alternative to the Trump administration and the status quo. "I think Democrats need to be very clear not just what we're against, but what we're for," Van Hollen told moderator Kristen Welker. "And I very much want to be part of that debate, and I am kicking the tires, testing the waters."

When pressed on whether his comments meant he was thinking about running, Van Hollen pointed to his recent travels. "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," he said. He noted that while Iowa will no longer be an early nominating state in 2028, New Hampshire will remain in the early window.