Chris Van Hollen

Van Hollen’s endorsement comes just days after socialist candidates ran through New York City’s Democratic primaries, as Democratic voters thwarted the reelection bids of several establishment incumbents to side with the leftist wing of the party. The resounding success of the socialist candidates, backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, brought renewed intraparty attention to what the future of the Democratic Party should look like, as pundits have debated whether to turn to more progressive candidates for success or stick to establishment, more centrist candidates who may pull more voters in a general election.

In his progressive run for Senate, el Sayed has called for passing “Medicare for all,” emphasized that he has never taken money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and embraced the controversial left-wing social media personality Hasan Piker. Van Hollen’s move to back el Sayed signals his likely support for a more left-wing future in the party.

“Abdul recognizes that our health care system is broken, that costs are too high, and that our economy isn’t working for working Americans,” Van Hollen said. “He will fight for an America where unions are strong, and paychecks are big enough and costs are low enough that everyone in Michigan can afford to live with dignity.”

In late April, el Sayed gave Van Hollen a boost by signaling his support for the Maryland senator as the next leader of the Democratic Senate caucus.

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“You know who I’d really like to see as Democratic leader? Chris Van Hollen,” el Sayed told CNN.