Sen. Patty Murray, (D-Wash.) has been elected by Democrats as the assistant leader of her party in the Senate. Murray's office says that makes her the third-highest ranking person in the Senate Democratic hierarchy.
Senate Democrats elected Chuck Schumer from New York at Senate Minority Leader, replacing the retiring Harry Reid.
“I am honored that my colleagues have put their trust in me to take on this expanded role as their Assistant Democratic Leader in our unified Democratic leadership team,” said Murray said in a statement. “As always, I am committed to making sure the voices and stories of families and communities back in my home state of Washington and across the country are heard loud and clear in our nation’s capital. Washington state voters sent me back to D.C. this election to fight for their values and priorities, and I am looking forward to getting to work.”
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who was voted Senate Minority Whip, the No. 2 position in the leadership chain.
Murray was most recently the Conference Secretary, the fourth-ranking position. Murray's office says she will remain the ranking leader on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP).
Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky will remain Senate Majority Leader for the Republicans.
