Chris Van Hollen

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Chris Van Hollen
BornChristopher Van Hollen Jr.
10 1, 1959
BirthplaceKarachi, Pakistan
NationalityAmerican
OccupationAttorney, politician
Known forU.S. Senator from Maryland, Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
EducationGeorgetown University (JD)
Children3
Website[https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov Official site]

Christopher Van Hollen Jr. (born January 10, 1959) is an American attorney and politician serving as the senior United States senator from Maryland. A member of the Democratic Party, Van Hollen has held his Senate seat since January 3, 2017, when he succeeded retiring Senator Barbara Mikulski.[1] Born in Karachi, Pakistan, to a family with deep roots in American diplomacy, Van Hollen rose through the ranks of Maryland politics — serving as a state delegate, state senator, and seven-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland's 8th congressional district before winning election to the Senate. During his tenure in the House, he chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) from 2007 to 2011, overseeing a wave election for Democrats in 2008, and served as House Democratic Assistant to the Leader under Speaker Nancy Pelosi.[2] After winning his Senate seat in 2016 with 61 percent of the vote, Van Hollen chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) from 2017 to 2019. He was reelected in 2022 with nearly 66 percent of the vote and became Maryland's senior senator upon the retirement of Ben Cardin in 2025.[2]

Early Life

Christopher Van Hollen Jr. was born on January 10, 1959, in Karachi, Pakistan.[1] His father, Christopher Van Hollen Sr., was an American diplomat who served in various posts throughout South Asia and the broader international community. The elder Van Hollen's career in the United States Foreign Service meant that the family lived abroad for significant periods during Chris's childhood.[2][3]

Growing up in a diplomatic family exposed Van Hollen to international affairs from an early age. The family's postings took them to various countries, providing the young Van Hollen with a cosmopolitan upbringing that would later inform his perspectives on foreign policy and international relations as a legislator.[2]

Van Hollen eventually settled in Maryland, which would become his political home base. His family's background in public service and diplomacy provided a foundation for what would become a long career in government and law. The Van Hollen family has roots in American public life, with his father's diplomatic career spanning several decades and multiple administrations.[3]

Education

Van Hollen pursued a rigorous academic path that prepared him for careers in both policy and law. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Swarthmore College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Pennsylvania known for its academic rigor.[1][2] He subsequently obtained a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, deepening his understanding of public policy and governance.[1]

Van Hollen completed his formal education by earning a Juris Doctor (JD) from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.[1] This combination of undergraduate liberal arts education, graduate-level public policy training, and legal education equipped Van Hollen with a multifaceted skill set that he would draw upon throughout his career as a state legislator, member of Congress, and senator.

Career

Maryland State Legislature (1991–2003)

Van Hollen began his political career at the state level in Maryland. In 1990, he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 18th district. He served as a state delegate from January 9, 1991, to January 11, 1995.[1][3]

In 1994, Van Hollen was elected to the Maryland State Senate, again representing the 18th district. He succeeded Patricia Sher in that seat and served as a state senator from January 11, 1995, to January 8, 2003.[3] During his time in the Maryland State Senate, Van Hollen built a legislative record and political network that would serve as the foundation for his subsequent campaign for federal office. His nearly twelve years in the Maryland General Assembly gave him extensive experience in legislative processes and state governance.

U.S. House of Representatives (2003–2017)

In 2002, Van Hollen ran for Maryland's 8th congressional district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He defeated incumbent Republican Connie Morella, a notable achievement given that Morella was a moderate Republican who had represented the district for eight terms.[1][2] The 8th district, which encompassed affluent suburban communities in Montgomery County and parts of neighboring counties, was trending increasingly Democratic, and Van Hollen's victory signaled a shift in the political landscape of suburban Washington, D.C.

Van Hollen took office on January 3, 2003, and would go on to serve seven consecutive terms in the House, representing the district until January 3, 2017.[1] Upon his departure from the House to enter the Senate, he was succeeded by Jamie Raskin.[2]

Legislative Priorities

During his tenure in the House, Van Hollen engaged in a range of legislative activities spanning fiscal policy, financial regulation, energy, and national security. He was involved in efforts related to financial reform, including legislation addressing Wall Street regulation.[4]

Van Hollen also championed legislation related to clean energy and environmental policy. He introduced the Green Bank Act, which sought to establish a financial institution dedicated to funding clean energy projects and technologies. The proposal was designed to leverage public and private capital to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.[5]

On matters of national security, Van Hollen articulated positions on defense and homeland security policy during his House tenure.[6] He also served on the International Conservation Caucus during his time in Congress.[7]

Van Hollen's voting record was evaluated by multiple independent organizations. The National Taxpayers Union, Citizens for Tax Justice, and Citizens Against Government Waste each assessed his legislative record during his House tenure.[8][9][10] His positions on a range of issues were documented by Project Vote Smart.[11]

DCCC Chair and House Leadership (2007–2011)

In 2007, Van Hollen was appointed chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), succeeding Rahm Emanuel in the role.[2] As DCCC chair, Van Hollen was responsible for leading the Democratic Party's efforts to defend incumbent House members in vulnerable districts and to recruit and support candidates seeking to win new seats for Democrats. His leadership coincided with a period of significant political momentum for the Democratic Party.

The 2008 House elections, conducted during Van Hollen's chairmanship of the DCCC, resulted in a wave election for Democrats, who expanded their majority in the House. Van Hollen was credited with overseeing the strategic and fundraising operations that contributed to this outcome.[2][12]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had created a new leadership post, Assistant to the Speaker, in 2006 to allow Van Hollen to participate in all leadership meetings, reflecting his growing influence within the Democratic caucus.[2] He served as House Democratic Assistant to the Leader from January 3, 2009, to January 3, 2011, succeeding Xavier Becerra in the role.[1]

Van Hollen served as DCCC chair through January 3, 2011, and was succeeded by Steve Israel.[1]

Budget Committee Ranking Member and Deficit Reduction

On November 17, 2010, Van Hollen was elected ranking member of the House Budget Committee, making him the lead Democrat on matters of federal budgetary policy.[2] In this capacity, he became a prominent voice in debates over federal spending, taxation, and deficit reduction that dominated congressional politics during the early 2010s.

Pelosi appointed Van Hollen to the 12-member bipartisan Committee on Deficit Reduction (commonly known as the "Supercommittee"), which was tasked with finding major budget reductions by late 2011. The committee, established as part of the Budget Control Act of 2011, ultimately failed to reach an agreement, leading to the implementation of automatic spending cuts known as sequestration.[2]

On October 17, 2013, Pelosi appointed Van Hollen to serve on the bicameral conference committee that was convened to address federal budget issues following the government shutdown of October 2013.[2]

U.S. Senate (2017–present)

2016 Senate Campaign

In 2016, Van Hollen ran for the United States Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Barbara Mikulski, who had served since 1987 and was the longest-serving woman in Senate history at the time of her retirement.[2] The Democratic primary featured a competitive contest between Van Hollen and U.S. Representative Donna Edwards, who represented Maryland's 4th congressional district. Van Hollen prevailed in the primary, securing the Democratic nomination.[2]

In the general election, Van Hollen faced Republican nominee Kathy Szeliga, a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. Van Hollen won decisively, capturing 61 percent of the vote to Szeliga's 36 percent.[2] He took office on January 3, 2017, succeeding Mikulski as Maryland's junior senator alongside senior Senator Ben Cardin.

DSCC Chair (2017–2019)

Upon entering the Senate, Van Hollen was selected to chair the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), the fundraising and campaign arm of Senate Democrats, serving in the role from January 3, 2017, to January 3, 2019. He succeeded Jon Tester as chair and was in turn succeeded by Catherine Cortez Masto.[1] Van Hollen's experience leading the DCCC in the House made him a natural choice for leading the Senate Democrats' campaign operations.

Senate Tenure and Legislative Work

As a senator, Van Hollen has focused on a range of policy areas, including fiscal policy, government accountability, foreign affairs, and infrastructure. He has continued to be an active voice on budgetary matters, drawing on his experience as the ranking member of the House Budget Committee.

Van Hollen has also been involved in regional issues affecting Maryland and the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In February 2026, Van Hollen joined nine additional members of Congress representing Maryland and Virginia in writing to DC Water's CEO to urge public transparency and a long-term response plan regarding water infrastructure concerns.[13]

2022 Reelection

Van Hollen sought reelection in 2022 and won with nearly 66 percent of the vote, defeating Republican nominee Chris Chaffee, who received approximately 34 percent.[2] The result represented an improvement over his 2016 margin and underscored the strongly Democratic leanings of Maryland's electorate.

Senior Senator Status

Van Hollen became Maryland's senior senator upon the retirement of Ben Cardin from the Senate in January 2025. He now serves alongside junior Senator Angela Alsobrooks.[2] Van Hollen is set to become the dean of Maryland's congressional delegation in 2027, following the announced retirement of longtime Representative Steny Hoyer.[2]

Political Stance and Party Messaging

In December 2025, Van Hollen spoke publicly about the strategic direction of the Democratic Party. In an interview with NPR, he urged Democrats to articulate a positive vision rather than defining themselves solely in opposition to former and then-incoming President Donald Trump. He characterized the need for the party to "fight back at every juncture" while also advancing a constructive agenda to regain public confidence.[14]

In February 2026, Van Hollen announced his intention to skip President Trump's State of the Union address, joining other members of the Maryland delegation in protesting aspects of the Trump administration's policies.[15][16][17] The decision was part of a broader effort by some Democratic members of Congress, coordinated in part by coalition partners including MoveOn Civic Action, to hold an alternative "People's State of the Union" event.[18]

Personal Life

Van Hollen resides in Maryland, where he has been based throughout his political career. He has three children.[1] His father, Christopher Van Hollen Sr., had a career in the United States Foreign Service, which included postings in South Asia and contributed to the family's international background.[2]

Van Hollen's birth in Karachi, Pakistan, reflected his family's diplomatic postings rather than any permanent connection to the country. He grew up in an environment shaped by international affairs and public service, themes that have continued to inform his work in Congress and the Senate.[2]

Recognition

Van Hollen's tenure in Congress and the Senate has included recognition from various organizations and institutions. The University of Maryland, College Park recognized Van Hollen's work in a 2004 feature.[19]

Van Hollen was profiled by Washingtonian magazine, which covered his role in the Washington, D.C. political landscape.[20]

His election record reflects sustained support from Maryland voters. His 2016 Senate victory with 61 percent of the vote and his 2022 reelection with nearly 66 percent demonstrated consistent electoral strength in one of the most reliably Democratic states in the country.[2]

Van Hollen's leadership roles — including chairing both the DCCC and the DSCC — placed him among a small group of politicians who have led the campaign arms of their party in both chambers of Congress. His role in the 2008 wave election, in particular, established his reputation as an effective party strategist and organizer.[2]

Legacy

As Maryland's senior senator and a figure who has served at multiple levels of government over more than three decades, Van Hollen occupies a significant position in the state's political history. His career trajectory — from the Maryland House of Delegates to the state Senate, the U.S. House, and finally the U.S. Senate — represents one of the more methodical ascents through the ranks of Maryland politics.

Van Hollen's dual service as chair of both the DCCC and the DSCC is a distinction shared by few members of Congress. His leadership of the DCCC during the 2008 election cycle, which resulted in significant Democratic gains in the House, remains one of the defining accomplishments of his career in party politics.[2]

His appointment by Speaker Pelosi to key leadership posts and to high-profile committees — including the Supercommittee on deficit reduction and the bicameral conference committee following the 2013 government shutdown — reflected his standing as a trusted figure within the Democratic caucus on matters of fiscal policy and governance.[2]

Van Hollen's tenure in the Senate has coincided with a period of intense political polarization in the United States. His December 2025 call for Democrats to advance a positive agenda rather than relying solely on opposition to political opponents reflected his engagement with broader questions of party strategy and direction.[21]

With his expected ascension to the deanship of Maryland's congressional delegation in 2027 following the retirement of Steny Hoyer, Van Hollen is poised to serve as the most senior member of the state's federal representation, a position that carries both symbolic and practical significance in Maryland's political landscape.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Van Hollen, Christopher, Jr.".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=V000128.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 "Chris Van Hollen".Britannica.https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chris-Van-Hollen.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Christopher Van Hollen Jr.".Maryland State Archives.http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/39fed/06ushse/html/msa12178.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "H.R. 5175".Library of Congress (THOMAS).http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:h.r.05175:.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "The Coalition for Green Bank Applauds Congressman Chris Van Hollen's Green Bank Act".New Energy World Network.http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by_technology/energy_efficiency/the-coalition-for-green-bank-applauds-congressman-chris-van-hollens-green-bank-act.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Real Security".Office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen.http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/md08_vanhollen/Real_Security_9_19.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "International Conservation Caucus Members".U.S. House of Representatives.http://royce.house.gov/internationalconservation/members.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "National Taxpayers Union".National Taxpayers Union.http://www.ntu.org/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Citizens for Tax Justice".Citizens for Tax Justice.http://www.ctj.org/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Citizens Against Government Waste".Citizens Against Government Waste.http://www.cagw.org/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Chris Van Hollen Jr. – Political Courage Test".Project Vote Smart.http://www.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/6098/chris-van-hollen-jr/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "DCCC Chairman Van Hollen".The Hill.https://web.archive.org/web/20060905113642/http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Campaign/071205.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Van Hollen, MD & VA Members of Congress Urge Public Transparency, Long-term Response Plan from DC Water".Office of Senator Chris Van Hollen.2026-02-18.https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/02/18/2026/van-hollen-md-and-va-members-of-congress-urge-public-transparency-long-term-response-plan-from-dc-water.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "Sen. Van Hollen urges Democrats to stand for something — not just be anti-Trump".NPR.2025-12-09.https://www.npr.org/2025/12/09/nx-s1-5629032/sen-chris-van-hollen-says-democrats-need-to-fight-back-at-every-juncture.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Van Hollen, McClain Delaney to skip Trump's State of the Union Address".Bethesda Magazine.2026-02-24.https://bethesdamagazine.com/2026/02/24/van-hollen-mcclain-delaney-to-skip-trumps-state-of-the-union-address/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Maryland Democrats to protest Trump's State of the Union with their presence, absence".Maryland Matters.2026-02-24.https://marylandmatters.org/2026/02/24/maryland-democrats-to-protest-trumps-state-of-the-union-with-their-presence-absence/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Some Maryland lawmakers in Congress to skip Trump's State of the Union".CBS News.2026-02-24.https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-lawmakers-congress-trumps-state-of-the-union-van-hollen-delaney/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Senators Gallego, Markey, Merkley, Murphy, Raskin, Smith, Van Hollen... boycott SOTU".MoveOn.org.https://front.moveon.org/new-senators-markey-merkley-murphy-smith-van-hollen-reps-ansari-balint-casar-escobar-jayapal-ramirez-watson-coleman-and-more-boycott-sotu/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "University of Maryland Newsdesk".University of Maryland.2004.http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/archive/release.cfm?year=2004&ArticleID=1002.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Chris Van Hollen profile".Washingtonian.http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/people/7994.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Sen. Van Hollen urges Democrats to stand for something — not just be anti-Trump".NPR.2025-12-09.https://www.npr.org/2025/12/09/nx-s1-5629032/sen-chris-van-hollen-says-democrats-need-to-fight-back-at-every-juncture.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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