Brian Schatz

Brian Schatz is an American politician serving as the junior United States senator from Hawaii since 2012. A member of the Democratic Party, he was appointed to the Senate by Governor Neil Abercrombie following the death of longtime Senator Daniel Inouye. Schatz previously served as the 12th lieutenant governor of Hawaii and as chairman of the Hawaii Democratic Party.

Early life and education

Brian Schatz was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to a family of Jewish descent. His mother, a Peace Corps volunteer, and his father, a professor, moved the family to Honolulu when he was two years old. He attended Henry J. Kaiser High School and graduated from Pomona College in Claremont, California, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy. During his time at Pomona, he was active in student government and interned for Congressman Tom Campbell.

Early career

Before entering electoral politics, Schatz worked in the nonprofit sector, serving as the chief executive officer of the Hawaii Association of Nonprofit Organizations. He also helped found and lead Helping Hands Hawaii, a prominent social services agency. His first foray into politics was his election to the Hawaii House of Representatives in 1998, representing the Makiki district. After four terms, he made an unsuccessful bid for the United States House of Representatives in 2006, losing in the Democratic primary to Mazie Hirono. He later served as chairman of the Hawaii Democratic Party from 2008 to 2010.

U.S. Senate

Following the death of Senator Daniel Inouye in December 2012, Governor Neil Abercrombie appointed Schatz to the vacant seat, selecting him over Inouye's preferred successor, Colleen Hanabusa. Schatz was sworn into office by Vice President Joe Biden. He won a special election in 2014, defeating Hanabusa in a closely contested primary and then winning the general election against Republican Campbell Cavasso. He was re-elected to full terms in 2016 and 2022. In the Senate, Schatz serves on the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Indian Affairs, and the Select Committee on Ethics. He is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Senate Climate Change Task Force.

Political positions

Schatz is considered a progressive Democrat and a strong advocate for action on climate change. He has introduced legislation such as the American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act and has been a vocal supporter of the Green New Deal. He is a proponent of expanding the Affordable Care Act and supports Medicare for All. On foreign policy, he has been critical of U.S. involvement in the Yemeni Civil War and advocated for the repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. He is a supporter of Net neutrality and has worked on issues related to Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander communities. Schatz has also been active in pushing for increased funding for medical research and scientific innovation.

Personal life

Schatz is married to Linda Kwok, a former Hawaii State Department of Education official and daughter of immigrant parents from China. They have two children and reside in Honolulu. He is an avid surfer and outrigger canoe paddler. Schatz is a member of Temple Emanu-El in Honolulu.

Category:1972 births Category:Living people Category:United States senators from Hawaii Category:Hawaii Democrats Category:Pomona College alumni