Senator Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, announced on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, that he will not seek re-election in 2026, bringing an end to his distinguished career that has spanned over four decades. At 80 years old, Durbin expressed his love for the job but acknowledged that it was time to "pass the torch" to a new generation of leaders.
"The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch," Durbin stated in a video shared on social media.
Having served in the Senate since 1996 and as the Senate Democratic whip since 2005, Durbin's retirement opens up a significant leadership position within the Democratic Party. He becomes the fourth Senate Democrat to announce plans to retire ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, joining the ranks of Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Gary Peters, and Tina Smith.
Durbin's departure is expected to ignite a competitive primary for his seat in Illinois, a state that has consistently leaned Democratic. Among those already positioning themselves for a run are Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly, and Lauren Underwood, as well as Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. Krishnamoorthi has been particularly active, raising over $3 million in the first quarter of the year and boasting a total of $19 million in his campaign war chest.
As the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin has been a pivotal figure in numerous high-profile legislative initiatives. His tenure saw him oversee the confirmation of 235 federal judges, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the high court. Durbin was also a staunch advocate for the DREAM Act, which aimed to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
His legislative achievements extend beyond immigration reform. Durbin was instrumental in banning smoking on airplanes, a move that significantly contributed to the smoke-free movement across the nation. He has also championed various criminal justice reforms and worked towards curbing credit card fees.
In his announcement, Durbin reflected on his career and the challenges he faced, particularly in the current political climate. "I have to be honest about this. There are good people in the wings, good people on the bench ready to serve, and they can fight this fight just as effectively as I can," he said.
Durbin's exit from the Senate is seen as a critical moment for the Democratic Party, which is grappling with internal divisions and the need for new leadership. His retirement is likely to prompt calls for younger representatives to step up and guide the party in a rapidly changing political landscape.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Durbin's contributions, stating, "His deep commitment to justice, his tireless advocacy for Americans in need, and his wisdom in leadership have left an indelible mark on this institution, the United States, and his beloved Illinois." Schumer's sentiments were echoed by other Senate Democrats, who recognized Durbin as a pillar of leadership and integrity.
As the Democratic Party prepares for the upcoming elections, the question remains: who will emerge as the new leader to fill the void left by Durbin? The potential candidates, including Krishnamoorthi, Kelly, Underwood, and Stratton, have already begun to lay the groundwork for their campaigns.
Durbin's decision not to endorse a candidate in the primary could lead to a fiercely contested race, with various factions within the party vying for influence. This dynamic could significantly shape the future direction of the Democratic Party in Illinois and beyond.
Despite facing criticism from progressive groups for some of his votes, including a recent budget resolution that drew ire from his base, Durbin remained steadfast in his belief that responsible governance sometimes requires difficult choices. He emphasized the importance of avoiding a government shutdown, stating, "I believed it was the responsible thing to do."
As Durbin prepares to conclude his tenure, he reflects on the legacy he leaves behind. "I hope they believe I’m honest, and I hope they believe I’ve worked hard at the job, and I’ve done some things that might improve the lives of themselves and their families. That’s all I can ask for. That’s the bottom line," he said.
With his retirement, Durbin not only marks the end of an era in Illinois politics but also a significant shift in the Senate's Democratic leadership. The upcoming months will be crucial as candidates emerge and the party seeks to redefine its path forward.
