If you’re checking the calendar and wondering about the political future of Maryland’s senior senator, you’re not alone. Politics moves fast, but the election cycle has its own rigid rhythm. The short answer to is Chris Van Hollen running for re-election is that it’s simply too early for a formal "yes," but all signs point toward him maintaining his seat in the U.S. Senate.
We’re currently in 2026. Chris Van Hollen isn’t actually up for re-election this year. He last won his seat in 2022, and because Senate terms last six years, he isn't due to face voters again until 2028. While some politicians start dropping hints or launching exploratory committees years in advance, Van Hollen has been keeping his head down and focusing on the legislative grind in D.C.
The 2028 Timeline and Current Status
To understand where things stand, you've gotta look at the "Class III" Senate cycle. Van Hollen is part of this group, which includes heavy hitters like Chuck Schumer and Raphael Warnock. Their terms don't expire until January 3, 2029.
Basically, we are in the middle of his term. In Maryland, the big focus for 2026 is actually the gubernatorial race where Governor Wes Moore is seeking a second term. Van Hollen has been active on the campaign trail supporting Moore and other local Democrats, which is usually a sign that a politician is keeping their own base warm for a future run.
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There’s been no talk of retirement. Honestly, at 67 years old, Van Hollen is practically a youngster by Senate standards. He recently became the state's senior senator after Ben Cardin retired, and with Steny Hoyer stepping back from the House side, Van Hollen has naturally moved into the role of the "dean" of the Maryland delegation.
Is Chris Van Hollen running for re-election or eyeing something else?
Every time a popular senator has a few years left on their term, people start whispering about the White House or a Cabinet position. You've probably heard the rumors. However, Van Hollen has carved out a very specific, high-impact niche in the Senate that would be hard to walk away from.
He’s a key player on the Senate Appropriations Committee. That’s where the money is. For Marylanders, having a representative who can direct federal funding toward the Chesapeake Bay, the FBI headquarters move, or Baltimore infrastructure is a massive deal.
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- Seniority matters: He’s spent years climbing the ladder.
- Legislative focus: He’s currently deep in the weeds on the "Obamacare cliff" and healthcare tax credits.
- Health status: After a minor stroke in 2022, he made a full recovery and has shown zero signs of slowing down his schedule.
If he were planning to hang it up, we’d likely see younger Maryland Democrats like Jamie Raskin or Angela Alsobrooks starting to make moves. Instead, they are working in tandem.
What to watch for in the next 12 months
Even though the 2028 election feels like a lifetime away, the "invisible primary" starts soon. If you want to know for sure if is Chris Van Hollen running for re-election, keep an eye on his fundraising filings with the FEC.
Politicians don't just stop raising money. If his campaign accounts continue to swell throughout 2026 and 2027, that’s a 99% guarantee he’s staying in the game. Usually, a senator in a safe blue state like Maryland will wait until late 2027 to make a "grand announcement."
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Maryland hasn't elected a Republican to the Senate since the 80s. While Larry Hogan gave Democrats a scare in the 2024 cycle, the structural advantage for an incumbent like Van Hollen is massive. He won his 2022 race with about 66% of the vote. That kind of margin doesn't usually encourage a politician to retire early unless there's a major personal reason.
Real-world impact of his current term
Right now, Van Hollen is spending most of his political capital on a few specific fights that will likely form the backbone of his 2028 platform:
- Healthcare Costs: He’s been vocal about the expiration of ACA premium tax credits. He’s warned that 30,000 Marylanders could lose coverage if Congress doesn't act.
- Education Funding: He is still pushing his bill to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Foreign Policy: He’s become one of the more prominent voices in the Senate calling for more oversight on aid to Israel and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
These aren't the actions of someone looking for the exit. They are the actions of someone building a legislative legacy.
Your Next Steps for Tracking the Race
If you're a Maryland voter or just a political junkie, don't expect a press release today. Instead, follow these indicators:
- Check the FEC disclosures: Look for the "Van Hollen for Senate" committee reports every quarter.
- Monitor local town halls: Van Hollen is known for a busy "in-district" schedule. If he keeps showing up in Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore, he's definitely keeping his options open for 2028.
- Watch the 2026 Midterms: How much he invests in helping other Maryland candidates this November will tell you a lot about his grip on the state party apparatus.
The 2028 cycle will be here before you know it, but for now, Chris Van Hollen is firmly planted in his Senate office.