Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said he is exploring a potential run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, using the phrase that he is "kicking the tires" on a campaign. The senator made the comments during an appearance on NBC News, marking one of the first times he has publicly acknowledged considering a White House bid.
Van Hollen, who was elected to the Senate in 2016 after serving seven terms in the House of Representatives, has built a reputation as a progressive voice on issues including climate change, voting rights, and economic inequality. His potential candidacy would come at a time when multiple Democrats are weighing their own presidential prospects for 2028.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have dismissed Van Hollen's potential candidacy as emblematic of Democratic Party overreach. Conservative commentators were quick to characterize any potential Van Hollen campaign as an extension of what they describe as far-left policies.
"Chris Van Hollen represents everything that working-class Americans rejected about the Democratic agenda," said one Republican National Committee spokesperson in a statement. "If he runs, voters will have another opportunity to reject their tax-and-spend priorities."
Some conservative analysts noted that a Van Hollen bid would likely focus heavily on economic populism, which could present challenges for Republicans in framing the race.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive groups and Democratic strategists have reacted cautiously but with interest to Van Hollen's exploration of a bid. Supporters point to his long track record on kitchen-table issues, including his work on expanding the child tax credit and his advocacy for raising the federal minimum wage.
Some progressive activists see Van Hollen as a candidate who could appeal to both the party's establishment wing and its more left-leaning base. "He's someone who has shown he can fight for bold policy ideas while also working within the system to get results," said one Democratic strategist who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations about potential candidates.
However, other Democrats note that Van Hollen faces significant challenges in a potential primary, including lower name recognition compared to potential rivals and questions about his ability to build a national coalition.
What the Numbers Show
Van Hollen has served in Congress for 28 years combined between the House and Senate. He won his 2016 Senate race with 60 percent of the vote and was re-elected in 2022 with 64 percent of the vote. As of his most recent financial disclosures, Van Hollen's net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $3.5 million, according to nonpartisan tracking services.
National polling for potential 2028 Democratic primary candidates remains preliminary, as most voters are not yet focused on the next presidential election cycle. Early surveys show high name-recognition Democrats leading in hypothetical matchups, though a significant portion of respondents say they have not paid attention to the upcoming race.
The Bottom Line
Van Hollen's acknowledgment that he is "kicking the tires" on a 2028 bid signals his seriousness about exploring a presidential run but falls short of an announcement. He joins at least three other prominent Democrats who have publicly indicated they are considering White House campaigns for 2028, including governors and sitting senators.
The senator's potential candidacy would likely focus on his core message of economic opportunity and voting rights access. A formal announcement, if one comes, is not expected until at least late 2026 or early 2027, according to advisors familiar with his thinking.