Brian Schatz began his political ascent in the Hawaii House of Representatives in 1998, successfully challenging incumbent Republican Sam Aiona. Born in Ann Arbor in 1972, he later transitioned from nonprofit leadership and local education roles to serve as a long-standing United States senator from Hawaii, a position he has held since his initial appointment in December 2012.
Early Background and Education
The son of cardiologist Irwin Jacob Schatz and Barbara Jane Binder, Brian Schatz was raised in Hawaii from the age of two after his family moved from Michigan. He attended the Punahou School before enrolling at Pomona College in Claremont, California. During his undergraduate studies, he participated in a program via the School for International Training in Kenya. He received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1994.
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Schatz entered the Hawaii House of Representatives in 1998, winning the 24th district seat. Following redistricting, he represented the 25th district until 2006. During this period, he served as the chief executive officer of the nonprofit organization Helping Hands Hawaii. He also chaired the Democratic Party of Hawaii from 2008 to 2010, overseeing significant increases in party membership and helping secure high vote percentages for Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential cycle.
Executive and Federal Office
In 2010, Schatz won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor of Hawaii and was elected on the ticket with Neil Abercrombie, serving as the 12th lieutenant governor starting in December 2010. Following the death of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye in 2012, Governor Abercrombie appointed Schatz to fill the vacancy. He was sworn in on December 27, 2012. He subsequently won the 2014 special election to complete the remainder of the term and secured subsequent reelections in 2016 and 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Ann Arbor
- Education: Punahou School, Pomona College
- Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii: 2010-2012
- U.S. Senator: 2012-present
- Party: Democratic Party
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in philosophy
Questions readers ask
When did Brian Schatz become a U.S. Senator?
He was appointed to the Senate on December 26, 2012, and sworn in on December 27, 2012.
What was his role before becoming lieutenant governor?
He served as the chief executive officer of the nonprofit organization Helping Hands Hawaii.
Achievements
- Educated at Pomona College and Punahou School
- Worked as politician, teacher and chief executive officer
