With Senator Barbara Mikulski’s retirement the political scramble is on and Representative Chris Van Hollen says he will be running for her seat in 2016.
Van Hollen, who has been a key leader in the House Democratic leadership has nearly $1.7 million in campaign funds on hand.
The Maryland Democrat announced his plans in an email to supporters Wednesday. His email was sent two days after Mikulski announced she would not run for re-election in 2016.
Van Hollen, who has been a congressman since 2003, wrote that a more formal announcement of his Senate bid will come later.
But he could have some competition.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports that Representative John Delaney and C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger have confirmed they are exploring the possibility.
Ruppersberger has nearly $1.1 million in campaign funds.
Meanwhile, Representative John Sarbanes said he was also considering a run for the office.
On the Republican side Congressman Andy Harris has indicated he might join the fray.
