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Sen. Chris Van Hollen Says He's 'Testing The Waters' On Running In 2028

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Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said Sunday he's been "kicking the tires, testing the waters" on running for president in 2028 – adding that while he wouldn't reject an endorsement by some Democratic Socialists of America members, he's "certainly not" seeking the endorsement of the DSA as a whole.

"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," he told NBC's "Meet the Press." "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."

The debate that's surfaced within the Democratic Party surrounds just how much moderates and progressives are willing to work together to win the midterms, particularly as more DSA members are seen winning their primaries this year. Van Hollen said that while he disagrees on many of the DSA's positions, he still believes it has a place in the party.

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"I'm not afraid to debate. I think that those in the Democratic Party who are afraid of a healthy debate are missing the point," the senator said. "Because voters, including Democratic voters, they don't want to simply return to the pre-Trump status quo. They want Democrats who are going to stand for something. And I can strongly disagree with one set of Democrats, but I think that debate is healthy."