Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) picked up the endorsement of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on Tuesday as he locks down votes to become the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat.

In a statement to Punchbowl News, Schumer revealed that he’s been helping Schatz convince his Democratic colleagues to back him when the Senate holds its internal caucus elections for whip next year.

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“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,” Schumer said. “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 has been running unopposed since Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), the current whip, announced he would retire at the end of 2026, relinquishing a leadership job he’s held for two decades. 

But the endorsement essentially throws the weight of leadership behind Schatz’s candidacy and is expected to dissuade other possible challengers. Until now, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), the No. 4 Senate Democrat, was the most prominent colleague to support Schatz.

Two other senators, Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the No. 3 Senate Democrat, and Patty Murray (D-WA), a former member of leadership, had not ruled out challenging Schatz for whip but declined to enter the race right away.

Klobuchar, in particular, is considered to have presidential aspirations.

SCHATZ LINES UP WHIP SUPPORT WITH NO SENATE COMPETITORS

In total, Schatz, the chief deputy on Durbin’s whip team, has about a dozen Democratic senators publicly supporting his candidacy, including new endorsements from Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), also made on Tuesday.

Durbin, for his part, plans to stay neutral in the race, which won’t take place until after the 2026 midterm elections.