Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) openly signaled on Sunday that he is weighing a 2028 presidential bid, framing his interest as a response to voter frustration with the Democratic status quo.
Appearing on NBCs Meet the Press, the Maryland senator conceded that public anger over the direction of the country helped propel President Donald Trump back to the White House, telling host Kristen Welker, Look, what happened in 2024 is that voters were so upset with the status quo that they they voted for a convicted felon, Donald Trump. According to Breitbart, Van Hollen argued that his party has failed to offer a compelling alternative, adding, And my view is Democrats need to really stand for something. We need to be against the status quo.
Van Hollen tied his own political ambitions directly to that dissatisfaction, saying, And thats why Ive been kicking the tires, as I look at 2028, because I dont think the Democratic Party has answered the call about how were going to make sure we have an economy that really does work for everybody, especially working people. When Welker pressed him Youve been kicking the tires on 2028, meaning youre thinking about running for president in 2028? he did not shy away from the implication.
Im kicking the tires, meaning Ive been to New Hampshire. I was invited to go there, Van Hollen said, noting his early-state travel that traditionally signals national ambitions. I was invited to go out to Iowa last summer. I think theres a great deal of churning within the Democratic Party, and I support that.
As I said, I think we need this healthy debate because I dont think Democrats have put forward a clear alternative to the Trump administration, he continued, as Welker sought a definitive answer: So bottom line, youre mulling a potential run in 2028? Van Hollen replied that the party must move beyond reflexive opposition, stating, Bottom line, I think Democrats need to be very clear, not just what were against, but what were for. And I am very much want to be part of that debate. And I am kicking the tires, testing the waters.
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