Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has shifted from ruling out a bid to actively considering a challenge against Sen. Chuck Schumer for the Senate Democratic leadership post.

Van Hollen told reporters Tuesday he is in "listening mode" and has not closed the door on running, while making calls to colleagues about the upcoming leadership vote. The development comes days after Democrats secured at least 54 seats in the November midterm elections, flipping control of the chamber from Republicans.

Schumer, the 75-year-old New York Democrat who has led the caucus since 2017, announced he will seek the majority leader role when the new Congress convenes in January. Van Hollen initially said after the election he was not pursuing the position and was instead exploring a 2028 presidential run.

In recent days, Van Hollen has criticized Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for backing certain candidates over others favored by progressive groups. He highlighted support for Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan and Sen.-elect Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota, saying the DSCC sided with the crypto industry and AIPAC against them.

"We have two members in that room, newly elected senators, who would not be there if Schumer and the DSCC had had their way," Van Hollen said at a left-leaning post-election event.

Progressive voices and some incoming senators have pushed for new leadership. El-Sayed has publicly endorsed Van Hollen as a potential majority leader. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said he will not support Schumer and indicated openness to Van Hollen.

Van Hollen has stressed the need for a caucus discussion on priorities before any leadership vote, arguing no one should receive a "blank check." He has tied expectations for the next leader to ending what he called the "illegal and senseless war in Iran."

Schumer retains significant advantages, including his fundraising record and role in the midterm victories. The leadership election occurs by secret ballot among Democratic senators, and Schumer needs only a majority to retain the post.

Other names floated as alternatives, including Sens. Brian Schatz, Chris Murphy, and Cory Booker, have not entered the race. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan has declined to rule out a run but said she is not pursuing the job.

The internal debate reflects tensions within the Democratic caucus over direction following the election win, with some members calling for generational and ideological change.