Van Hollen Eyes 2028: ‘Kicking Tires’ on Presidential Run
Senator Chris Van Hollen Explores 2028 Presidential Run: What You Need to Know
The Big Picture
Senator Chris Van Hollen (a Democrat from Maryland) recently went on TV to say he’s seriously thinking about running for President in 2028. He used a fun phrase: "kicking the tires" — which basically means he’s checking things out, doing his homework, and seeing if a presidential campaign makes sense for him.
Important Point: "Kicking the tires" is an old car-buying expression. When you kick the tires of a used car, you’re checking if it’s solid before you decide to buy. In politics, it means exploring a run without officially committing yet.
Why He’s Considering a Run
Van Hollen explained his thinking on NBC’s "Meet the Press." Here are his main reasons:
- Democrats need a clear alternative to the Republican agenda — not just saying what they’re against, but what they’re for
- The economy isn’t working for everyone — especially working people — and the party hasn’t answered that call yet
- Healthy debate is good — he believes the Democratic Party needs to have honest conversations about its future
- Voters don’t want the "pre-Trump status quo" — they want leaders who stand for something new and bold
Not Running for Senate Leader
When asked if he wanted to challenge Chuck Schumer (the current Senate Democratic Leader) for the top spot if Democrats win the Senate majority, Van Hollen said:
"My focus is not on majority leader, it’s on what Democrats stand for going into 2028."
So he’s keeping his eyes on the bigger prize: the White House.
He’s Already Visiting Early Primary States
Van Hollen has been to New Hampshire and Iowa — the two states that traditionally vote first in presidential primaries.
Fun Fact: In 2028, New Hampshire will still vote early, but Iowa got pushed out of the early window. So the map is changing!
He Welcomes Debate — Even With Democratic Socialists
Van Hollen was asked if democratic socialists should have a place in the Democratic Party. His answer? Yes.
- He says debate is healthy
- He’s not afraid to disagree with people in his own party
- But he draws the line at some extreme positions
Where He Draws the Line
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) platform includes ideas like:
- Replacing the President and Supreme Court with leaders chosen by Congress
- Abolishing the Senate entirely
Van Hollen said "of course" those go too far for him — and he thinks most Democratic candidates agree.
Who Else Might Run in 2028?
It could be a crowded field with no clear frontrunner. Here are other big names who’ve hinted at running:
| Potential Candidate | Current Role | What They’ve Said |
|---|---|---|
| Gavin Newsom | Governor of California | Would be "lying" if he said he wasn’t considering it |
| Andy Beshear | Governor of Kentucky | May "take a look" at running |
| Pete Buttigieg | Former Transportation Secretary | "More inclined than not" to run |
| Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) | Representative from New York | Hasn’t "ruled out the possibility" |
| Cory Booker | Senator from New Jersey | "Definitely not ruling out" a run |
| Ruben Gallego | Senator from Arizona | Would "have to look at" the possibility |
| Kamala Harris | Former Vice President | Is "thinking about" running again |
Van Hollen’s Background
- Served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 10 years
- Sworn in as U.S. Senator in 2017
- Longtime critic of the Trump administration
- Has pushed Democrats to offer a clear, bold alternative to Republican policies
Summary
- Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is actively exploring a 2028 presidential run ("kicking the tires")
- He believes Democrats need a positive vision — not just opposition to Trump/GOP
- He’s not interested in becoming Senate Majority Leader right now
- He supports healthy debate within the party, including with democratic socialists
- But he rejects extreme ideas like abolishing the Senate or replacing the presidency
- Many other big-name Democrats are also considering 2028 runs — it could be a very competitive primary
FAQ
What does "kicking the tires" mean in politics?
It means a politician is exploring a potential campaign — talking to donors, visiting early states, building name recognition — without officially announcing they’re running. It’s the "testing the waters" phase.
Why does Van Hollen think Democrats need a new message?
He argues that voters — including Democratic voters — don’t want to go back to the way things were before Trump. They want leaders who offer a bold, clear vision for an economy that works for working people.
Is Van Hollen a democratic socialist?
No. He welcomes democratic socialists in the party debate, but he disagrees with their most extreme proposals (like abolishing the Senate). He describes himself as someone who wants healthy debate but draws lines.
Who is the frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic nomination?
There isn’t one yet. The field is wide open, with potentially 8+ major candidates considering runs. This could lead to a very competitive primary season.
When will we know if Van Hollen officially runs?
Probably not for a while. Most candidates don’t formally announce until 2027 (after the midterms). Right now, he’s in the "kicking the tires" phase — doing the groundwork to decide if he wants to go all in.