Chris Van Hollen wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate

MARYLAND – Chris Van Hollen has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in the Maryland primary election.

Unofficial results show that Van Hollen took 78% of the votes, while Michelle Smith took 22%.

47 ABC’s Rob Petree sat down with Sen. Van Hollen as outlets across the country began to call his race, declaring him the victor in his race in what was an overwhelming lead he saw early on largely thanks early voting turnout.

Sen. Van Hollen was grateful for those who supported his campaign and said his sights are now set on the general election this November.

“I just wanna say I’m grateful to the voters in the democratic primary for their vote of confidence and I’m pleased with the result” Van Hollen said. “I will take nothing for granted as we head into the general election. I think all of us know that our country and our state are facing some big challenges and I’m asking all of the people of Maryland now for the opportunity to continue to represent them in the Senate.”

Seeking to provide a message of unity moving forward, Sen. Van Hollen thanked the voters who supported his campaign and said he will continue to engage with both sides as he heads into the next cycle of the 2022 election.

“I wanna thank the Democratic primary voters and I wanna ask all of the voters for their support,” Sen. Van Hollen stated. “I know all of us love our country. We may disagree from time to time on what policies we should pursue, but I’m looking forward to continuing to meet people. It’s been an honor to represent people on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We’ve delivered a lot, including expanding broadband, and other important relief during the pandemic. And I look forward to the opportunity to continue to talk and engage with them and earn their support.”

While Sen. Van Hollen won his race early on, that was far from the case for the crowded Republican side of the U.S. Senate race, which at last check had candidate Chris Chaffee in the lead garnering nearly 22% of the votes, followed by Lorie R. Friend with around 14% and John Thormann at 13%.

Stay with us for the latest election results.