Overview

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer formally endorsed Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz as the next Senate Democratic whip, signaling unified leadership backing.
• Schatz has locked down pledges from more than half of his Democratic colleagues to replace longtime whip Dick Durbin when he retires at the end of 2026.
• Durbin, who has held the whip post since 2005, announced his retirement in April and plans to remain neutral in the contest.
• Senators Amy Klobuchar and Patty Murray have opted not to challenge Schatz at this stage, leaving him the clear frontrunner.
• The Senate Democratic Caucus will hold its internal election for whip following the 2026 midterm elections, marking the first leadership handoff in over a decade.