Biography
Chris Van Hollen, born on January 10, 1959, in Karachi, Pakistan, is an American attorney and politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Maryland since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he succeeded Senator Barbara Mikulski upon her retirement. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Van Hollen represented Maryland's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 to 2017. He has been recognized for his leadership roles, including serving as the Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee from 2017 to 2019.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Swarthmore College
- Master of Public Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
- Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center
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Political Experience:
- Maryland House of Delegates
- Maryland State Senate
- U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland's 8th District
- U.S. Senate, Maryland
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Legislative Leadership:
- As Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee , Van Hollen played a pivotal role in expanding the Democratic majority in the House.
- Served as the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, advocating for fiscal policies that protect Social Security and Medicare.
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Policy Initiatives:
- Authored the original DISCLOSE Act to increase transparency in campaign finance and reduce the influence of secret money in elections.
- Championed environmental protection efforts, including legislation to safeguard the Chesapeake Bay and address climate change.
- Advocated for affordable healthcare, playing a key role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
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Recent Actions:
- In April 2025, Van Hollen emerged as a prominent figure in the resistance against certain policies of the Trump administration, notably traveling to El Salvador to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was deported under contested circumstances. This action underscored his commitment to upholding constitutional rights and legal order.
Throughout his career, Senator Van Hollen has been recognized for his dedication to progressive causes, effective legislative leadership, and commitment to the constituents of Maryland.
