Working Families Party Backs Van Hollen in Challenge to Schumer

In a letter sent Friday, party leaders thanked Schumer for helping pass pandemic relief packages and the Inflation Reduction Act, but said recent election results should not be read as approval of “business as usual.” The group said its canvassers heard voters call for change in both government and Democratic leadership.

The party’s call adds to pressure on Schumer as Van Hollen (D-Md.) contests the leadership post. WFP cited Van Hollen’s co-sponsorship of the Medicare for All Act, his opposition to what it called a broken healthcare system, his advocacy for constituent Kilmar Ábrego Garcia after traveling to El Salvador, and his calls to condition US aid and block weapons sales to Israel. Jasmine Gripper, the New York WFP’s state director, said Van Hollen could lead fights over housing, healthcare and childcare.

Democrats are divided over Schumer’s record. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) credited him with helping secure the party’s new majority. Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Angus King (I-Maine) have voiced support, using a World Series comparison to describe the election. Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton of Kansas called Schumer “a divisive figure,” while Sen.-elect Scott Colom of Mississippi rejected the idea that Schumer had recruited him.

A Drop Site News tally found 16 senators had expressed support for Schumer and eight had backed Van Hollen or appeared inclined to do so. Twenty-two were undecided and nine had not stated a position. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said Friday she would not support Schumer but did not say whether she would back Van Hollen. More Perfect Union’s Paul Blest said Slotkin’s support could matter, arguing the contest would need to center on replacing an unpopular leader rather than becoming a progressive-versus-moderate fight.