Harry Reid just endorsed Chuck Schumer to be Democrats' next Senate leader

RTR3BJFJ

(Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), left, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada), center, and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York).

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid wants Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York) to be his successor.

Hours after announcing his intention not to run for re-election in 2016 on Friday, Reid, a Nevada senator, endorsed Schumer as his replacement in a conversation with the Washington Post.

"I think Schumer should be able to succeed me," Reid said.

Following Reid's announcement speculation centered on Schumer and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) as the likeliest replacements for Reid. However, in his comments to the Post, Reid predicted Durbin would stand down and Schumer would win the leadership position without opposition.

Reid was the US Senate's majority leader until a string of Republican victories in the 2014 elections last November. Democrats are hoping to retake the majority in 2016.

NOW WATCH: Here's how President Obama starts every morning

More From Business Insider

• Harry Reid just shocked the Senate — and everyone's trying to figure out what happens next
  

• Legendary UNC coach Dean Smith left all of his former players $200 in his will for 'a dinner out' on him
  

• Men are going crazy for Lululemon's 'Anti-Ball Crushing' pants