Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said he expects to make a decision in early January on whether to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, potentially setting up another contender in an increasingly active field of Democrats considering a White House campaign.

Van Hollen has acknowledged that he is seriously exploring a presidential bid, describing his efforts as “kicking the tires” while traveling outside Maryland and meeting with Democrats in early primary states. He has visited Iowa and New Hampshire, two states traditionally important in the presidential nominating process, as he considers whether to pursue the presidency or seek another term in the Senate.

The senator's presidential consideration comes after he ruled out pursuing the position of Senate Democratic leader, despite receiving support from some progressives as a possible alternative to Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Van Hollen said he wants Democrats to have a broader discussion about the party's priorities and leadership rather than automatically selecting a leader without first establishing a common agenda.

Van Hollen has also called for Democrats to develop a clearer economic message ahead of the next presidential election. He has argued that the party cannot focus exclusively on opposing Trump and Republicans, but must explain how its policies would benefit working Americans and address affordability.

“I don't think the Democratic Party can only tell people what we're against,” Van Hollen said in a recent interview. “We have to show people what we stand for and that we're fighting for working people.”

A potential campaign would place Van Hollen among several Democrats weighing bids for the 2028 nomination. The Maryland senator has served in the Senate since 2017 and previously represented Maryland's 8th Congressional District in the House. He would have to choose between pursuing the presidency and running for another Senate term, with his current seat scheduled to be contested in 2028.