Move over, Schumer, a new crop of Democrats are arriving in the US Senate

Chuck Schumer faces a potential challenge to his Senate Democratic leadership after Democrats flipped at least seven seats in the midterms. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, an outspoken critic of Israel, is considering a bid. A progressive PAC poll shows 59% of Democratic voters want new leadership. The December leadership vote will determine the next majority leader.

Chuck Schumer, the most senior Jewish elected official in US history, faces a potential challenge to his role as Senate Democratic leader after Democrats flipped at least seven Senate seats in the midterm elections last week. Critics say Schumer is too old, too moderate, or not aggressive enough against President Donald Trump. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, an outspoken critic of Israel, has generated buzz as a possible challenger. Van Hollen has led efforts to investigate Israel's human rights practices and has voted to block offensive weapons sales to Israel. He told reporters on Monday that he is in 'listening mode' and hasn't shut the door on a leadership bid. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Michigan Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed have said they would back Van Hollen. A poll commissioned by a progressive PAC found that 59% of Democratic voters want someone else to lead Senate Democrats. Political strategist Hank Sheinkopf said a Van Hollen leadership would move the Senate to the left and could jeopardize defensive military assistance to Israel, but noted that it is hard to imagine Van Hollen winning given that Democrats just retook control on Schumer's watch. Schumer says he is confident he will win the December leadership election.