Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz Secures Votes to Replace Durbin as Senate Democratic Whip in 2027

Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz has secured enough votes and the crucial endorsement of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to become the next Senate Democratic whip, succeeding Illinois Senator Dick Durbin upon his retirement at the end of next year. Schatz, currently the Democratic chief deputy whip, is the only declared candidate for the role and has been building support among his colleagues with a 'comfortable majority' backing him. This leadership position would place Schatz as the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate and potentially set him up to succeed Schumer as party leader, as Schumer is 74 and up for reelection in 2028. Durbin has held the whip position since 2005, serving under Harry Reid and Schumer. Schatz expressed gratitude for his colleagues' support and intends to continue earning it in the coming months while praising Schumer's legislative achievements. The early consolidation of support and Schumer's backing make Schatz the clear favorite for the whip position, discouraging other potential candidates from entering the race.