Democratic leadership in the United States Senate announced Monday the promotion of Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii to one of two open Chief Deputy Whip positions on the Democratic Caucus’s leadership team.
According to a release from his office, Schatz, one of the youngest members of the Senate, will assume a more prominent role in policy development and communications for Senate Democrats.
“I’m deeply honored to serve in this new leadership role,” Schatz said. “We have a lot of work to do in the Senate, and this new post puts me in a better position to help shape and defend our priorities.”
Along with Schatz, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey was also promoted. The third Chief Deputy Whip is Sen. Jeff Merkley from Oregon, whose position was announced in December.
Booker said with the Trump administration about to move into the White House and a Republican-controlled Congress, including majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Chief Deputy Whips have their work cut out for them if they hope to preserve the Democratic agenda in Washington.
Schatz and Booker have worked closely in the past, both as part of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and on an initiative to increase diversity among Senate members.