U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says he directly thanked President Barack Obama in a phone call for his support during the Democratic primary.

Schatz said Monday it meant a lot to hear from the President on Sunday. He says Obama’s endorsement was important personally and to the campaign.

The White House says that in addition to endorsing Schatz, Obama recorded a robo-call on his behalf that went out to Hawaii residents on Election Day. Schatz also ran a TV ad highlighting Obama’s endorsement.

In the phone call, Schatz and Obama spoke about the future and working together for the country and for Hawaii.

They spoke before the president left Martha’s Vineyard for Washington to attend meetings before resuming vacation.

Schatz says it was heartwarming to hear from the president.