Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he’s “kicking the tires” on a potential 2028 presidential bid, joining a crowded field of Democratic contenders exploring a White House run. Van Hollen made the comments in an interview aired on August 23, saying he wants Democrats to focus on building “an economy that really does work for everybody, especially working people.”
Van Hollen, a longtime member of Congress, said his consideration of a 2028 run stems from concerns that the Democratic Party has not yet articulated a clear alternative to the Trump administration. “I very much want to be part of that debate, and I am kicking the tires, testing the waters,” he told moderator Kristen Welker on the NBC program.
As evidence of his early exploratory steps, Van Hollen noted he has already visited Iowa and New Hampshire, the two early nominating states that have historically shaped presidential contests. Though Iowa was pushed out of the early window for 2028, New Hampshire will remain an early nominating state. Van Hollen said the Democratic Party needs “very clear” messaging about what it stands for, not just what it opposes.
Van Hollen brings substantial experience in Democratic campaign strategy to any potential 2028 bid. He served in the U.S. House for more than a decade before being elected to the Senate in 2016, and chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee from 2007 to 2011 and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee from 2017 to 2019. He has been a prominent critic of the Trump administration and has advocated for Democrats to provide a sharper ideological contrast with Republicans.
Van Hollen’s exploration of a presidential run reflects broader Democratic jockeying for 2028. According to ABC News, Democratic hopefuls have made at least 43 visits or planned visits to key battleground and early voting states in 2025 and 2026. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he would be “lying” if he denied considering a run, while Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he may “take a look” at the possibility. Others exploring 2028 include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
When asked on “Meet the Press” about whether he would challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for the party’s leadership position, Van Hollen redirected focus to the 2028 contest. “My focus is not on majority leader, it’s on what Democrats stand for going into 2028,” he said.
Sources
- NBC News — Van Hollen’s full “Meet the Press” interview on August 23, 2026, including his “kicking the tires” comments and remarks on Democratic strategy and early state visits.
- NOTUS — June 2026 podcast interview with Van Hollen discussing his consideration of a 2028 run, his visits to Iowa and New Hampshire, and his views on Democratic messaging.
- ABC News — Report on Democratic presidential hopefuls’ 43+ visits to key battleground and early voting states in 2025 and 2026.
- Reuters — July 2026 factbox listing Democrats taking early steps in potential 2028 White House bids, including Beshear, Newsom, Pritzker, and Shapiro.
- Ballotpedia — Biographical information on Van Hollen’s tenure as DSCC chair (2017–2019) and his Senate career.
