Senate Dems set to bump up Klobuchar and Booker in leadership ranks

Sen. Amy Klobuchar is expected to be tapped for Senate Democrats’ No. 3 spot in caucus leadership elections this week, according to two people familiar with the shuffling, heading up Senate Democrats’ Policy and Communications Committee.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) is expected to fill the no. 4 role, which Klobuchar (D-Minn.) currently holds as chair of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

The No. 3 spot is being vacated by retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). Both Booker and Klobuchar — who both ran for president in 2020 and have wide name recognition in the party — had been eyeing the gig. Booker’s apparent acquiescence to instead take the spot one rung lower means the caucus will avoid that intra-party clash. Though both roles could be subject to change as Democrats reorganize their ranks.

Senate Democrats’ leadership elections are set to take place on Tuesday morning. There are no other contested spots. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) are expected to be reelected to their positions, while Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is expected to become chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Axios first reported on the leadership shuffling Monday morning.