Brian Schatz

From Grokipedia

Brian Emanuel Schatz (born October 20, 1972) is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Hawaii, a position he has held since December 2012. A Democrat, Schatz was appointed to the Senate by Governor Neil Abercrombie following the death of longtime Senator Daniel Inouye, and he won subsequent elections in 2014 and 2022. Prior to his Senate tenure, he served as Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor from 2010 to 2012 and earlier as a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from 1999 to 2006. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Schatz grew up in Honolulu, attended Punahou School, and earned a bachelor's degree from Pomona College in 1994.

Schatz's legislative priorities include advancing clean energy initiatives, addressing climate change impacts relevant to Hawaii's vulnerability, and supporting Native Hawaiian self-determination through measures like housing and land rights protections. He has authored or co-authored more than 20 bills enacted into law, including provisions expanding renewable energy deployment and federal aid for disaster recovery, such as post-Maui wildfire assistance. As a member of Senate committees on Energy and Natural Resources, Indian Affairs, and Commerce, Schatz has advocated for policies reducing fossil fuel dependence, though these efforts have drawn criticism for potentially increasing energy costs without commensurate global emission reductions. In foreign policy, he has opposed expansive Chinese claims in the South China Sea, emphasizing maritime security for Pacific allies.

While Schatz maintains a low public profile compared to more prominent Senate Democrats, his career reflects a commitment to Hawaii-specific issues like environmental conservation and economic equity for island communities, informed by his early work as CEO of a nonprofit helping at-risk youth. He serves in Democratic leadership as Chief Deputy Whip and has engaged in procedural actions, such as filibusters against nominees perceived as threats to progressive priorities. Schatz is married to architect Linda Kwok Schatz, with whom he has two children, and resides in Hawaii.

In brief

Brian Schatz grew up in Honolulu and entered the Hawaii House before he was thirty. Helping Hands Hawaii, a social-service agency, gave him a different education: how a food pantry and a legislature can fail the same family.

When Senator Inouye died, Governor Neil Abercrombie sent his lieutenant to Washington. Schatz kept the seat and became a voice for the Pacific — reefs, bases, and the quiet arithmetic of an island state.