Now that Hillary Clinton has made official what has long been expected, she’s getting big tributes from Hawaii’s two U.S. senators and fellow Democrats.

“Today is a great day for Hawaii and our nation,” Mazie Hirono said in a statement Sunday. “Hillary Clinton has fought her entire life to create opportunity and prosperity for American families, small businesses and individuals.”

As Hawaii’s first female senator, Hirono said she understands how important it is for a woman “to finally break the ultimate glass ceiling and win the White House.”

Hillary Clinton in 2008.

Flickr: Rona Proudfoot

She added, “Our country needs Hillary’s tenacious leadership more than ever.”

Meantime, Brian Schatz called the former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state “a fighter” and “real friend of Hawaii.”

He said in a statement, “She knows our state, our particular issues, and appreciates our value as an Asian-Pacific bridge. As president, we can count on her to be in our corner.”

Clinton is the first Democrat to declare her run for the presidency in 2016. It’s her second bid for the job, having lost to Hawaii native son Barack Obama in 2008.

U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and Rand Paul have already declared their campaigns on the Republican side. More are expected soon.