Brian Schatz is filing his nomination papers to run as a Democratic candidate for the Office of Lieutenant Governor of the State of Hawaii on Wednesday, July 14, at 11:00 a.m., at the Hawaii State Office of State Elections, 802 Lehua Avenue.

“This formally marks the beginning of our drive to bring accountable government back to Hawaii, fixing the problems in our schools and building a stronger economy. People agree and are united that Hawaii must do better than Furlough Fridays and an unaccountable government,” Schatz stated.

Schatz recently received the support of the ILWU, Hawaii’s largest private sector union with 19,000 members across the State, and from the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. In addition, unions endorsing Schatz include the Ironworkers, Operating Engineers, and IBEW 1357 (phone workers). He is also endorsed by the Hawaii Venture Capital Association.

Schatz began the Draft Obama campaign in 2006, then led the Hawaii for Obama campaign and chaired the Democratic Party of Hawaii until January of 2010.

After successfully managing it for eight years, Schatz recently stepped down from his role as CEO of Helping Hands Hawaii, a large social services non-profit focused on providing care for some of Hawaii’s most vulnerable. He served four terms in the Hawaii State Legislature until 2006, during which time he was appointed Majority Whip and chaired the Economic Development Committee. Schatz successfully led the fight for the Legislature to triple the repair and maintenance budget for schools in 2004.

Brian is married to Linda Schatz, formerly Kwok. They are the proud parents of two children, Tyler and Mia.