President Barack Obama endorsed U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz in Hawaii's Democratic primary, USA TODAY reported.
On Monday, Schatz's campaign released a statement from the president expressing his support.
"Brian's deep commitment to the people of Hawaii and his effective leadership are why I believe it is important to return him to the Senate," Obama said in the statement. "Senator Schatz is protecting Hawaii's values and fighting every day on behalf of middle-class families. There is no question that Senator Schatz is the right choice to continue delivering for Hawaii."
Schatz, Hawaii's former lieutenant governor, assumed office in December 2012 after the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye -- who said his one wish was to see U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, Schatz's opponent in the primary, succeed him. However, Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose Schatz to fill his role instead.
Inouye's widow, Irene, endorsed Hanabusa. In 2010, Obama was featured in a TV advertisement for the U.S. Rep., claiming that "Colleen's values are Hawaii's values."
However, Schatz and Obama have a solid history as well. When Schatz was the chairman of Hawaii's Democratic Party, he endorsed Obama for president over Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Hanabusa supported Clinton.
The president holds considerable influence in his home state of Hawaii, which gave him an approval rating of 61.3 percent in 2013.
According to the Star Adviser, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid also backed Schatz.
Still, he and Hanabusa are reportedly fighting a close race. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 9.
