Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz (D) has locked down the votes he needs to replace Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) as Senate Democratic whip once Durbin retires from Congress at the end of next year, according to a person familiar with Schatz’s support. Schatz, the Democratic chief deputy whip, has also earned the endorsement of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) to succeed Durbin as whip in 2027.

“I’m grateful for the support from so many of my colleagues. I intend to continue earning their support in the months to come,” the Hawaii Democrat said in a statement. It would be the biggest change to the Senate Democratic leadership team since Schumer ascended as leader after the 2016 election. Durbin has served as Democratic whip since 2005, first under the leadership of the late Senate Democra

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