Van Hollen says Schumer's team trying to 'instill fear' to retain Senate leadership
"We need to earn the people's trust," Van Hollen told ABC News' "This Week."
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen touted his chances of becoming Senate majority leader when Democrats take control of the Senate in January, accusing current leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of trying to scare Democrats into supporting his continued leadership.
"I think there's a very open lane here. The Schumer team's put out a lot of misinformation," Van Hollen told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz in an interview on Sunday.
"They're essentially trying to instill fear in people who may say that they're going to support me as a new leader ... We just had a great day for our democracy around the country. How about a little democracy in the Senate Democratic Caucus?"
In a post on social media this week, Schumer wrote that he welcomes "any discussion about the future of our caucus," continuing to say that he has "the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader."
Schumer's optimism came as several Democratic senators and others elected in this month's midterm elections expressed the desire for new leadership in Washington, despite Schumer's efforts in recruiting candidates who led the party to overwhelming control of the Senate.
Van Hollen, who announced his candidacy to challenge Schumer on Thursday night, said voters made clear on election day that they oppose President Donald Trump, but clarified their votes weren't a ringing endorsement of his party either.
Van Hollen told Raddatz he believes this leadership vote is a chance to regain their trust.
"They rejected Trump's policy, his wars, his corruption, the high cost. But they haven't fully hired the Democrats. We have a chance, but we need to earn the people's trust. And I don't think you earn people's trust by simply going back to business as usual and status quo," Van Hollen said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.