Van Hollen reconsiders challenge to Schumer for Senate leader

Sen. Chris Van Hollen is reconsidering a possible challenge to Sen. Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic leader, but has not announced a bid and his support among senators is unclear. The shift comes as Democrats prepare to choose their leader and debate the party’s direction.

A person familiar with Van Hollen’s thinking said the Maryland senator had received calls urging him to run and was in “active listening mode.” Van Hollen said last week that he was not seeking the position, according to reports, and has since left open the possibility of entering the contest.

Van Hollen has said the Democratic caucus should discuss its priorities before returning Schumer to leadership. He said a prospective leader should offer commitments before expecting members’ support. The caucus is scheduled to begin leadership discussions Tuesday, and elections are expected in early December.

Schumer remains the favorite to retain the post, one report said. The contest’s outcome, and whether Van Hollen will run, remain unsettled. The reports do not establish how much support he has among senators.

Abdul El-Sayed, a senator-elect from Michigan, said he would support Van Hollen if he runs. Van Hollen...