Booker endorses Hawaii Democrat to replace Durbin in Senate party leadership role next year

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker on Friday endorsed his colleague Hawaii Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz to replace Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin in party leadership next year, when Durbin retires.

The Illinois Democrat, who is in his fifth term in the upper chamber, announced he will not seek reelection on Wednesday. Durbin, who is 80, said that he felt the time had come for him to pass the torch to a younger generation.

Booker told Punchbowl News that he supports Schatz, who has already been talking to other senators about the position.

“I know [Schatz] has been talking to and listening to our colleagues for the last couple of days. I think those calls are going well,” Booker said. “Brian regularly does excellent work in service of our caucus and from what I am hearing, he has already earned a lot of support for this position."

Schatz is considered a favorite for the position after he volunteered to pick up some of the whip’s duties, such as helping to manage the floor, according to The Hill.

Other liberal senators that are reportedly eying the leadership position include Minnesota's Amy Klobuchar and Washington's Patty Murray, the outlet reported.

Schatz has not publicly declared his intentions to seek the role next year, but he is currently Chief Deputy Whip.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.