Overview

• Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) officially announced his candidacy for Senate Democratic whip, becoming the first to enter the race to succeed Dick Durbin.
• Schatz has secured endorsements from Sens. Cory Booker, Mark Kelly, Jacky Rosen, and Martin Heinrich, building early momentum for his bid.
• Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, who has held the position for two decades, confirmed he will not endorse any candidate in the race.
• Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Patty Murray, considered potential contenders, have not announced their intentions, with Klobuchar calling early campaigning a 'mistake.'
• The internal election for the whip position will take place after the November 2026 elections, leaving 19 months for candidates to solidify their campaigns.