Maryland U.S. Senator (Class 3) — Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen, born January 10, 1959, is the senior U.S. Senator from Maryland, serving since January 3, 2017. A Democrat and graduate of Swarthmore College, Harvard Kennedy School, and Georgetown Law School, he was previously a U.S. Representative from Maryland's 8th Congressional District for 14 years. He is known for work on fiscal policy, the Affordable Care Act, foreign relations, and environmental protection.

Build an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few; increase paychecks and benefits for working families

Status: ongoing

Van Hollen has been a leading advocate for increasing the minimum wage and has sponsored legislation including the Working Americans' Tax Cut Act (2026) to increase paychecks. He authored Build Back Better measures to end tax giveaways to the super wealthy and has worked to cut costs for prescription drugs and childcare.

Protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security benefits; ensure seniors receive dignity in retirement

Status: ongoing

Van Hollen has played a pivotal role in efforts to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug costs and close coverage gaps for hearing, dental, and vision services. He sponsored the Strengthen Social Security by Taxing Dynastic Wealth Act (2026) to improve Social Security solvency.

Protect the Chesapeake Bay and fight climate change; secure record federal funds for environmental protection

Status: completed

Van Hollen has a long record as a champion for Chesapeake Bay protection. As of 2026, he has secured record federal funds for Bay restoration and included clean water and climate provisions in the Build Back Better package. He received a 100% score from the League of Conservation Voters in 2023.

Protect voting rights and fight voter suppression laws; safeguard democracy against the 'Big Lie'

Status: ongoing

Van Hollen is an original sponsor of the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act. He has consistently fought against what he calls 'GOP voter suppression laws' and worked to protect voting rights throughout his Senate tenure.

Lead on campaign finance reform and end secret money in politics; author of DISCLOSE Act

Status: ongoing

Van Hollen is the original author of the DISCLOSE Act, which would end secret money (dark money) in politics. He has remained a leading proponent of campaign finance reform throughout his Senate tenure and has worked to expose the sources of undisclosed donations.

Senator Tracker· Class 3

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Chris Van Hollen

Democrat (D)In office since 2017-01-03· Term ends 2029-01-03

Previously:U.S. Representative, Maryland's 8th Congressional District (2003-2017)Maryland State Senate (1995-2003)Maryland House of Delegates (1991-1995)Chair, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (2007-2011)Ranking Member, House Budget Committee

Committees:Senate Appropriations Committee (Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies)Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Ranking Member, Subcommittee on State Department and USAID Management)Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs CommitteeSenate Budget Committee

Agenda Progress

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promises completed

At a Glance

📋 5 tracked promises📝 8 recent actions⚠ 2 controversies⚠ 1 contradiction

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◆ Sources

U.S. Senate Official - Class III Terms GovTrack.us - Chris Van Hollen Wikipedia - Chris Van Hollen Congress.gov - Chris Van Hollen Chris Van Hollen Official Senate Website Chris Van Hollen Campaign Website Ballotpedia - Chris Van Hollen Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Last updated: 2026-04-10