Democratic Senator Tests 2028 Waters After Fighting To Free MS-13 Suspect

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, the Maryland Democrat who drew outrage for flying to El Salvador to fight for the release of a suspected MS-13 gang banger, is teasing a possible 2028 presidential run.

In an interview with NBC, Van Hollen said Sunday Democrats have failed to effectively communicate their alternative message to disenchanted voters ahead of the November midterm elections.

“I’ve been kicking the tires as I look at 2028 because I don’t think the Democratic Party has answered the call about how we’re going to make sure we have an economy that really does work for everybody, especially working people,” he told Kristen Welker. 

“You’ve been kicking the tires on 2028, meaning you’re considering a run for president in 2028?” the Meet the Press host asked.

“I’m kicking the tires. Meaning I’ve been to New Hampshire. I was invited to go there. I was invited to go out to Iowa last summer. I think there’s a great deal of churning within the Democratic Party, and I support that. As I said, I think we need this healthy debate because I don’t think Democrats have put forward a clear alternative to the Trump administration,” Van Hollen responded. 

“Bottom line, I think Democrats need to be very clear not just what we’re against, but what we’re for. And I very much want to be part of that debate. And I am kicking the tires, testing the waters,” he added. 

Van Hollen made national headlines and drew intense backlash after traveling to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member, before he was ultimately returned to the United States. The Daily Wire reported earlier this week that the Trump administration is working to revive charges against Garcia as it continues to fight for his deportation.

The Maryland Democrat’s soft launch will likely add another name to what is expected to be a crowded 2028 field, as the party’s establishment wing struggles to contain a growing socialist insurgency.

Since President Donald Trump’s re-election, the Democratic establishment has watched its leftist wing barnstorm the country, racking up one victory after another. Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s upset in New York City’s mayoral primary kicked off the movement’s breakthrough, followed by three Democratic Socialists of America-backed leftists ousting longtime Democratic representatives. The socialist-aligned Left also steamrolled its way through Washington, D.C. and Denver, then succeeded in nominating Abdul El-Sayed for the U.S. Senate in Michigan.  

“Do you think democratic socialists have a place in the Democratic Party?” Welker asked Van Hollen.

“They do, as part of the debate,” he said. “I am not afraid to debate. I think that those in the Democratic Party afraid of a healthy debate are missing the point.”