Sen. Charles Schumer is well on his way to locking up the votes to become the next Democratic leader, adding Sen. Patty Murray to his list of supporters.

With support from Murray, the Democratic Conference secretary, the New York senator now has the backing of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid’s top lieutenants. Reid upended Senate and Nevada politics Friday when he announced he’ll retire after five terms.

“Senator Murray spoke to Senator Schumer several times over the past few days and told him that she planned to support him for leader next Congress and looks forward to continuing to be his partner in Senate Democratic leadership,” said an aide to Murray, who requested anonymity so as not to get ahead of a formal announcement by the Washington state senator or Schumer.

Reid gave his blessing to Schumer, who has been in charge of messaging and communications for Senate Democrats, in a series of interviews last week following his retirement news. Assistant Minority Leader Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 leader to Reid, endorsed Schumer on Friday and Murray’s support was expected.

Murray’s endorsement was first reported by Roll Call. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., told the Capitol Hill news outlet that Schumer is moving quickly to get all Democrats behind him for a race that won’t occur until after the 2016 elections. Reid’s exit means a new look for the Democratic leadership team when the 115th Congress convenes in January 2017.

“Chuck has all of the pieces from smart policy wonk to political genius, and everyone in the caucus is supporting him,” Stabenow is quoted as saying. “Everybody is.”