Van Hollen ‘Kicking Tires’ on 2028 Presidential Run: Inside the Bid
Senator Chris Van Hollen Hints at 2028 Presidential Run: What You Need to Know
The Big News: A New Contender Emerges
Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, went on NBC’s "Meet the Press" and dropped a hint that has political watchers buzzing: he’s thinking about running for President in 2028.
He used a folksy 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 not an official announcement. It’s politician-speak for "I’m seriously looking into it, but I haven’t decided yet."
Why Now? Van Hollen’s Big Argument
Van Hollen didn’t just say he might run — he explained why he feels the Democratic Party needs a shake-up.
His Core Message:
- The status quo isn’t working. Van Hollen believes Democrats can’t just go back to "business as usual" before Donald Trump.
- Working people need a better deal. He says the party hasn’t clearly answered how to build an economy that works for everyone, especially everyday workers.
- Voters want fighters. He argues Democratic voters don’t want a return to the past — they want leaders who stand for something bold and clear.
Key Quote: "We need to be against the status quo… I don’t think the Democratic Party has answered the call about how we’re going to make sure we have an economy that really does work for everybody."
Not Interested in Senate Leadership — Eyes on the White House
When host Kristen Welker asked if he wanted to replace Chuck Schumer as Senate Democratic Leader (if Democrats win back the Senate), Van Hollen said:
"My focus is not on majority leader, it’s on what Democrats stand for going into 2028."
Translation: He’s playing the long game. He’s not chasing a promotion in the Senate — he’s building a case for a national run.
He’s Already Doing the Groundwork
Running for president isn’t something you decide overnight. Van Hollen has already:
- Visited New Hampshire — traditionally the first primary state
- Visited Iowa — historically the first caucus state (though Iowa lost its early spot for 2028)
- Spoken at major events like the Hill Nation Summit
- Given multiple interviews where he’s used the "kicking the tires" line
Fun Fact: Showing up in New Hampshire and Iowa years before an election is basically the "Hello, I’m running" signal in American politics.
He Wants a Healthy Family Fight
Van Hollen says debate inside the Democratic Party is good — not something to fear.
- He welcomes democratic socialists in the conversation ("they do, as part of the debate")
- He says voters want to see Democrats hash out ideas openly
- But — he draws lines. When asked about the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) platform (which includes abolishing the Senate and replacing the President/Supreme Court with Congress-chosen officials), he said:
"Of course [that goes too far]. And I think a lot of folks running… have rejected those ideas."
So: Big tent for debate. Red lines on certain policies.
The 2028 Field Is Already Crowding
Van Hollen won’t be alone if he jumps in. Here’s a roster of other big names who’ve said they’re at least thinking about it:
| Potential Candidate | Current Role | What They’ve Said |
|---|---|---|
| Gavin Newsom | Governor of California | Would be "lying" if he denied 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 | U.S. Representative (NY) | Hasn’t "ruled out the possibility" |
| Cory Booker | U.S. Senator (NJ) | "Definitely not ruling out" a run |
| Ruben Gallego | U.S. Senator (AZ) | Would "have to look at" the possibility |
| Kamala Harris | Former Vice President | "Thinking about" running again |
Bottom Line: 2028 could be a wide-open primary with no clear frontrunner — exactly the kind of race where a senator with a clear message could break through.
Who Is Chris Van Hollen? (Quick Bio)
- Current job: U.S. Senator from Maryland (since 2017)
- Before that: 10+ years in the U.S. House of Representatives
- Reputation: Longtime Trump critic, policy wonk, progressive but pragmatic
- Style: Thoughtful, deliberate, likes to "test the waters" before diving in
Summary: What This Means for You
| What We Know | What We Don’t Know |
|---|---|
| Van Hollen is seriously exploring a 2028 run | Whether he’ll actually pull the trigger |
| He wants Democrats to offer a bold, pro-worker alternative | If his message will resonate nationally |
| He’s already visiting early primary states | Who else will jump in — and who’ll win |
| He supports internal party debate but has policy red lines | How the Democratic field will shake out |
Bottom line: Chris Van Hollen is raising his hand early for 2028. He’s betting that Democrats want a candidate who says: "Let’s stop defending the past — let’s build something better for working people." Whether that bet pays off? We’ll find out over the next few years.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "kicking the tires" actually mean?
It’s an old car-buying phrase. Before you buy a used car, you kick the tires to check if they’re solid. In politics, it means exploring a run — talking to donors, staff, voters, and family — without officially announcing.
Why does visiting New Hampshire and Iowa matter?
For decades, these two states voted first in the presidential nominating process. Candidates who show up early build relationships, name recognition, and campaign infrastructure. Even though Iowa lost its "first" status for 2028, the habit (and the signal) remains.
What’s the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)?
A left-wing activist group that supports democratic socialism — think Bernie Sanders or AOC energy. They’ve won some primaries lately. Their official platform includes big structural changes (like abolishing the Senate), but many DSA-backed candidates run on more mainstream ideas like Medicare for All and a $15 minimum wage.
Is Van Hollen a progressive or a moderate?
He’s solidly progressive on most issues (climate, voting rights, labor) but institutionalist — he believes in working within the system (Congress, courts) rather than blowing it up. That puts him left of center but right of the DSA’s most radical proposals.
When will we know if he’s really running?
Usually, candidates officially announce 12–18 months before the first primaries. So: late 2026 or early 2027. Until then, expect more "kicking the tires" interviews.