Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) became the first Senate Democrat to announce his run for Democratic whip on Monday, bringing two new endorsements in his launch. In an interview with the Washington Post, Schatz confirmed he would attempt to replace Sen.

With no other Democratic candidates announcing campaigns for the 2026 primary by Monday morning, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton secured the endorsement of two of the state’s top Democrats before fielding any competition.

Dick Durbin, the longtime second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, announced plans to retire at the end of next year, setting off a succession scramble to take his powerful leadership spot in the chamber and a likely crowded primary in Illinois for the seat.