Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is signaling serious interest in a 2028 presidential bid, telling a podcast he's “kicking the tires” on a potential campaign. The comments, made during an interview on NOTUS’s “On NOTUS” podcast, come as the Maryland Democrat has increasingly stepped into the political spotlight during President Trump’s second term.
Pressed about a recent trip to New Hampshire—a key early primary state—Van Hollen acknowledged the visit was more than a routine stop. “I went to New Hampshire because I was invited, but I would say, kind of kicking the tires a little bit,” he said.
The senator argued that operating solely within the confines of Congress is insufficient for driving real change. “It’s pretty clear that operating from within the confines of the halls of Congress is not a successful recipe for actually getting change, because, too often, we are a bubble,” Van Hollen said.
Van Hollen has made headlines in recent years for his sharp criticism of Israeli government actions and his vocal support for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was deported to the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador. These stances have raised his profile among progressive voters and could position him as a distinct voice in a crowded field.
If Van Hollen jumps into the 2028 race, he would likely face a competitive Democratic primary that already includes California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Beshear has been actively touring the country, fueling speculation about his own ambitions.
Democrats are still grappling with the fallout from the 2024 presidential loss, which followed a chaotic period when former President Biden dropped his reelection bid after a poor debate performance and Harris took over the ticket. Despite that setback, the party has seen some electoral bright spots, including recent wins in Virginia and New Jersey.
Republicans, meanwhile, face headwinds ahead of the midterms. Trump’s approval rating has sagged, voters have expressed concerns about the economy, and rising oil and gas prices amid the Iran war have added to the pressure. The administration has also been navigating Iran deal controversies, which could shape the political landscape.
Van Hollen’s exploratory moves add another layer to what is shaping up to be a wide-open Democratic primary. With the party seeking a path back to the White House, his message of breaking free from the congressional “bubble” could resonate with voters eager for a new approach.
