Schatz locks up whip race as Schumer backs Hawaii Democrat
Scoop: The race for Senate Democratic whip is essentially over.
From Punchbowl News, Aug 5, 2025 (excerpt)
Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz has secured commitments from a majority of Democratic senators in his bid to become their next whip, including a crucial new endorsement from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Schatz has locked up support from a “comfortable majority” of the 47-member Senate Democratic Caucus, according to a source familiar with the matter. This puts the 52-year-old Schatz on a glide path to becoming his party’s No. 2 leader in the Senate beginning in 2027.
The news, combined with Schumer’s support, also makes Schatz the favorite to eventually succeed the New York Democrat as the party’s Senate leader. Schumer, 74, is up for reelection in 2028.
In a statement to Punchbowl News, Schumer revealed that he’s been helping Schatz win commitments and public endorsements for his bid:
“Brian Schatz is not just a trusted colleague and a clear communicator — he’s a close friend and one of my most valued allies in the Senate. Over the past several months, Brian and I have worked hand-in-hand to build strong backing across the caucus, and I’m proud to endorse him for whip.”
Schatz, who has long aspired to the post, is the only declared candidate in the race to succeed retiring Democratic Whip Dick Durbin.
While the Democratic leadership elections are still 15 months away, securing the requisite support at this early stage — as well as that of Schumer — will almost certainly discourage any other Democrat from getting in the race….
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