Senator Dick Durbin, D-Bill. Announced on Wednesday that will not seek re -election in 2026 and will retire after serving for more than four decades in Congress.
“In my heart, I know it’s time to spend the torch,” Durbin said in the video. “The threats to our democracy and the way of life are real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate.”
The president of the Senate Supervision Committee, Senator Dick Durbin speaks during an audience on Capitol Hill in Washington, on June 13, 2023.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Durbin, 80, has served in the Senate since 1997 and won the re -election of the Senate four times. Together with his time in the camera, Durbin has served in Congress for 44 years.
“We are also lucky to have a strong democratic bank ready to serve,” Durbin said in the video. “We need them now more than ever.”
His departure will establish a controversial career among Illinois Democrats competing to occupy the seat in a solidly blue state.
“It has been an honor that serves together with Senator Dick Durbin in Congress. For a long time I have admired his focus on creating jobs in Illinois, reducing the costs of working families and protecting the benefits for veterans and older people,” said representative Eric Sorensen, D-Bill. He said after Durbin’s announcement. “As a public servant dedicated for more than four decades, Senator Durbin has been a strong voice for the Ilinoisanos, giving the law many historical laws as a long time leader in the United States Senate. I am grateful for the legacy that he has helped to improve millions of our neighbors of Illinois.”
It will also leave a void in democratic leadership in the Senate. Durbin, as Democratic Whip, has served as a Senate number 2 since 2004. Now, Democrats must reorganize to occupy the position of Durbin.
There are several minor Senate Democrats who have been working to make names for themselves in this congress, and it is not clear who could jump to that leadership career. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-minn., Senate Democrat No. 3, and Senator Cory Booker, Dn.J., is the Senate Democrat No. 4. Any of them could participate in the contest.
The president of the Senate Judicial Committee, Dick Durbin, D-Bill., It is seen in the Capitol in Washington, on November 14, 2024.
J. Scott Applewhite / AP
The leader of the Senate minority, Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., praised Durbin in a statement after the announcement.
“Dick Durbin has been more than a colleague: he has been a trusted partner, one of the most respected voices in the Senate for decades, my dear friend and, of course, my former roommate,” said Schumer. “His deep commitment to justice, his tireless defense for needy Americans and their wisdom in leadership have left an indelible brand in this institution, the United States and their beloved Illinois. The Senate and the country, are better for their service. To my friend, Dick: Thank you for everything.”
Durbin has served as the main Democrat, in his capacity as president or classification member, of the Senate Judicial Committee since 2021. He helped confirm 235 federal judges under former President Joe Biden.
Durbin is now the fourth Democrat to announce plans not to apply in 2026. The sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., Jeanne Shaheen, Dn.H., and Tina Smith, D-minn., They also retire. Senator Michael Bennet runs for the governor of Colorado despite the fact that his term did not end until 2028, and if he wins, he will vacate a fifth Democratic seat.
This is a development story. Consult the updates again.
