DENVER — Senate Democrats are confronting a potentially divisive leadership contest as Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen challenges New York Sen. Chuck Schumer for the top job in January.

The race, set for Dec. 1, is already commanding attention in Washington and Denver, where prominent Democrats have gathered to discuss how to use their new power. It comes as the party prepares its legislative agenda and faces a Dec. 11 government funding deadline.

Schumer remains the favorite. He said Thursday that he has the votes to win, and several senators, including Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, have publicly backed him.

Van Hollen has acknowledged he is the “underdog” but said Thursday night that more than 10 senators support him. Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and Minnesota Sen.-elect Peggy Flanagan endorsed him Friday. Democratic insiders question whether Van Hollen can secure the 28 or 29 votes he would need.

“We understand that this will be a competition,” Van Hollen told reporters Friday. “I think it’s important to give Senate Democrats a choice.”

Some Democrats privately worry the contest could distract from preparations for the new Congress and a funding fight complicated by pressure to cut off money for the Iran war or shut down the government. Others argue that Van Hollen’s bid offers the change voters want.

New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim, who has not publicly endorsed either candidate, urged colleagues to preserve party unity and remain respectful. Fellow New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said Van Hollen had “absolutely earned the right to run,” while crediting Schumer’s leadership in Democrats’ election victory.

Democrats have privately discussed moving the leadership vote to next week, before the Thanksgiving recess, though no decision has been made. Party rules bar an election before December but can be waived by a secret-ballot vote.

Outside groups and high-profile House Democrats are also weighing in, adding pressure on senators. Van Hollen, meanwhile, said Friday that he no longer plans to seek the presidency in 2028 and is serious about leading the Senate.