Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., regarded as one of the Democrats’ rising stars in the House of Representatives, said Wednesday he’ll run for the U.S. Senate.
Van Hollen, 56. has represented Montgomery County, a wealthy Washington suburb, for the last 12 years. He’ll be seeking the seat now held by the retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. He’s the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, and often mentioned as a possible Democratic House leader.
He’s likely to face some tough challengers in the Democratic primary, possibly Reps. John Sarbanes and John Delaney, as well as Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The Democrat is likely to favored to win the seat in a state where Democrats have a strong edge over Republicans.
Van Hollen sent an e-mail to supporters Wednesday, saying, “I am writing to let you know that I have decided to run for the United States Senate from our great State of Maryland. I am very grateful to the citizens of Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District for the opportunity to represent them and want to thank the many Marylanders who, over the last 48 hours, have called, sent text messages, or emailed to urge me to run for the United States Senate. A more formal announcement will come later, but I wanted to let you know of my plans.”
He recalled how, in January, “I put forward an economic Action Plan to generate more growth in our economy with more shared prosperity. Despite important economic progress, too many hard working families across Maryland and around our country have been struggling to make ends meet.”
He urged a “tax system that rewards hard work, instead of one riddled with loopholes and special deals for the super wealthy and well-connected. We need to make sure that every individual in our state and our country has a chance to climb the ladder of opportunity and build a successful and fulfilling future.”
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