Sen. Chris Van Hollen is testing the waters for a 2028 presidential run. The Maryland Democrat said he is ‘kicking the tires’ as he evaluates a potential bid.
Van Hollen Tests 2028 Waters
He told NBC that Democrats have failed to communicate a clear alternative to disenchanted voters ahead of the November midterms. The party’s message, he argued, is incomplete.
Van Hollen said the party must present an economy that works for everybody, especially working people. He warned that without a concrete plan, Democrats risk losing the next election.
When Meet the Press host Kristen Welker asked if he was considering a 2028 run, Van Hollen replied that he has already visited New Hampshire and was invited to Iowa last summer. He said the party is in flux and needs a healthy debate.
He emphasized that Democrats must be clear about what they stand for, not just what they oppose. Van Hollen said he wants to be part of that debate and is ‘testing the waters.’
The senator’s 2023 trip to El Salvador sparked outrage after he met with Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS‑13 member. The Daily Wire reported that the Trump administration is seeking to revive criminal charges against Garcia as it pushes for his deportation.
His soft launch adds another name to a crowded 2028 field as the Democratic establishment battles a rising socialist insurgency. Establishment leaders watch as progressive candidates capture primaries and victories across the country.
Since Trump’s re‑election, the leftist wing has scored a string of wins. Socialist Zohran Mamdani upset the New York City mayoral primary, followed by three DSA‑backed candidates defeating longtime Democrats in congressional races. The socialist‑aligned Left also won in Washington, D.C., Denver, and helped nominate Abdul El‑Sayed for the U.S. Senate in Michigan.
When asked if democratic socialists belong in the party, Van Hollen said they do, but only as part of a healthy debate. He warned that Democrats afraid of debate are missing the point.
