California Rep. Ro Khanna posted a video on X calling on every Democratic senator to support Sen. Chris Van Hollen for majority leader, stating that Van Hollen would commit to ending funding for the Iran war, allowing a vote on Medicare for All, and zeroing out aid to Israel. According to the post, this is “a time for new leadership.” Online users reacted to the message, with many questioning why Khanna continues to support Hakeem Jeffries for House leadership given similar issues.
The video shows Khanna speaking from inside a vehicle at night. In the clip, he says, “Chris Van Hollen just announced for Majority Leader against Chuck Schumer. I’m calling on every Democratic senator, including the ones I campaigned for, to support Chris Van Hollen.”
He continues, “Chris will fight to actually end the funding for this war in Iran and to zero out the aid to Israel. And Chris will allow for a vote on Medicare for All.”
Khanna adds in the footage, “I was one of the first people to call for Chuck Schumer to go. Now, with electing Chris Van Hollen, we can have new leadership in the Senate.”
The accompanying post text lists the same three commitments and states, “This is a time for new leadership.” Sen. Van Hollen has publicly announced a challenge to Sen. Chuck Schumer, and other lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, have expressed support for Van Hollen in the race.
Responses to the Video Calling for New Senate Leadership
Some users expressed support for the call for new leadership, with one writing “Hell yes, let’s go!” and another stating “Thank you for issuing the call.”
A third said, “Love it, Ro! Thank you for this.”
Others focused on questions about consistency regarding House leadership, with one asking, “Why are you supporting Jeffries then?” and another writing, “You can’t play for both sides!”
A further commenter asked, “Can you explain why you’re also supporting Hakeem Jeffries, who won’t commit to any of those things?”
The exchange adds one more public moment to the ongoing discussion over Democratic leadership in the Senate. How senators respond to the call remains to be seen as the party prepares for its internal elections.
