Updated

Senator Chris Van Hollen announced on Wednesday night that he will challenge Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer for leadership of the new majority. Schumer, 75, has led Democrats since 2017 and is credited with fundraising that flipped states, while Van Hollen, 67, is a leading progressive voice on the Middle East and a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights. Haaretz reported that progressives and moderates both support the long-shot bid, and Middle East Eye said it puts pressure on Schumer to take up changes. Freshman senators-elect, led by Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed, want new leadership after the 3 November midterms, and El-Sayed first floated Van Hollen's name. Van Hollen told MS Now the party should take no AIPAC money at the DSCC, and Bernie Sanders said he will back him. Middle East Eye reported that Schumer, a centrist and staunch defender of Israel, did not openly back El-Sayed and is viewed as too weak to take on Donald Trump. Schumer said he welcomed the discussion and has the votes to keep serving. The bid brings disputes over Israel and the Iran war into the leadership race.