Senate's likely next No. 2 warns Trump if Democrats take the majority: 'It's going to be a fight' on key values [View all]

Source: CNN Politics

PUBLISHED Jun 21, 2026, 7:00 AM ET


Sen. Brian Schatz, who many believe will take over the No. 2 role in the Democratic caucus next year, has a warning for President Donald Trump: He could be dealing with a very different Washington if Democrats achieve the electoral gains they’re hoping for this fall.

“The quality of the nominees would immediately have to go up, because they’re not going to get people like Bill Pulte or RFK Jr. or Pete Hegseth through the United States Senate if the Democrats run that,” he told CNN’s Manu Raju, listing some of the president’s more controversial administration picks, who have received no votes of confidence from Democrats.

After two years of Republicans fighting to push Trump’s agenda through Congress with their narrow majorities, Democrats hope the president’s dwindling approval numbers will help them secure control over both chambers and usher in a new wave of leaders on Capitol Hill.

Though Schatz superstitiously knocks on wood when his potential ascent is mentioned, he is widely viewed as the likely choice to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin as Democratic whip next year.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/21/politics/brian-schatz-senate-democrats-trump