Sen. Dick Durbin at a committee hearing (Photo Credit: Glenn Fawcett, Public Domain).
Senator Dick Durbin, the U.S. Senate’s second-highest-ranking Democrat, announced on Wednesday that he will not run for reelection in 2026. The move signifies an ending to a career spanning over 40 years and paves the way for a massive leadership shift among Democrats, both in Washington and Illinois. The 80-year-old senator made the revelation in a video on X, declaring: ‘I truly love the job of being a United States senator. But in my heart I know it’s time to pass the torch.’
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.
So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term. pic.twitter.com/eiBTPjToFT
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) April 23, 2025
The move also led to almost instantaneous speculation on who would replace him. Political insiders and observers hastily took to social media to propose likely successors, sparking pre-emptive rumors over what is likely to be a close contest in a safely blue state. The move is also intensifying debate on Senate Democratic leadership’s future direction as the party looks to transition to post-Durbin.
Initially elected to Congress in 1982 and to the Senate in 1996, Durbin has been in leadership for decades. He has been the Senate Democrats’ whip since 2005 and now also heads the influential Senate Judiciary Committee. In this position, he presided over the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court in 2022 as well as coordinating Democrats’ opposition to Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination in 2020.
The news sent shockwaves across lawmakers at all levels—in Illinois state legislature to national figures. Tributes streamed in thanking Durbin for decades of leadership. Former US President Barack Obama, a beneficiary of Durbin’s early endorsement, wrote: ‘I would not have been a United States Senator – and certainly would not have been President – had it not been for Dick’s support.”
As an Illinois voter, I couldn’t be prouder that our senator for the last 28 years has been one of the finest in the country. Dick Durbin has always fought the good fight on behalf of working families, and his integrity shines through in everything he does.
It’s also true that…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 23, 2025
The first time I met Dick Durbin was just 12 weeks after my shootdown—at a point so early in my recovery that I could barely sit up for any length of time, even in my hospital bed.
But when Dick looked at me, he saw past the wounds, saw past the wheelchair. pic.twitter.com/qKoIDbdvUm
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) April 23, 2025
Other Illinois leaders paid tribute to the outgoing senator:
Statement From Gov. JB Pritzker:
On Senator Durbin’s Retirement
MK and I want to express our sincere congratulations to Senator Dick Durbin on his retirement and our utmost gratitude for representing the people of Illinois with integrity and honor.
Throughout his career, Senator Durbin has been a consistent champion and reliable leader for our working families, civil rights, healthcare, climate, and beyond. From first introducing the DREAM Act, to leading the historic confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to bringing in major federal infrastructure projects to our state, Senator Durbin has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of everyday Illinoisans.
His legacy is defined not just by the legislation he passed, but by the undeniable positive impact his character and moral leadership has had on the nation. Together with his talented wife Loretta who has trained and encouraged so many women who have become successful public servants, Dick remains a clear voice for truth, equality, and justice.
The people of Illinois should take great pride having a leader like Dick Durbin represent us in the U.S. Senate. I have been proud to be his partner and am even more proud to call him my friend. He will leave some extraordinary shoes to fill — and has given us all an example of courage and righteousness for the work ahead. No doubt we will all celebrate him during his final 20 months in office.
On behalf of the entire state of Illinois, I want to wish Senator Durbin a peaceful, fulfilling, and family-filled retirement.
Statement From Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton:
Senator Durbin has given Illinois a lifetime of principled leadership—grounded in decency, driven by purpose, and always guided by the people he served.
I’m grateful for his service to our state, nation, and for the example he’s set. Illinois is stronger because of him and the work he’s championed will carry on.
Statement From U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly:
“I would like to congratulate my friend, Senator Dick Durbin, on a remarkable career in public service. Senator Durbin has always served with integrity and common sense, and I am one of millions of Illinoisans who are grateful for his leadership during challenging times. We are lucky to have his voice in the Senate to stand for our farmers, veterans, small businesses, and children for the next year and a half. I wish him and Loretta the best as they plan for the next chapter.”
Statement From U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson:
As I reflect on the monumental career of Senator Dick Durbin, I am filled with admiration for a leader who has devoted over 40 years to public service and the betterment of our great state of Illinois. Today, as he announces his retirement, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations and profound gratitude for his tremendous contributions to our nation.
Senator Durbin’s legacy is one that transcends partisanship; it is a testament to unwavering dedication, tenacity, and a fierce commitment to justice. Throughout his tenure, he has been a tireless advocate for working families, championing issues such as the expansion of access to affordable healthcare through the Affordable Care Act, which has provided millions of Americans with essential coverage. His efforts to reform our immigration system, including the introduction of the DREAM Act, demonstrate his compassionate approach to complex societal challenges, offering hope to countless young immigrants seeking opportunity and a pathway to citizenship.
One of his most significant achievements has been his relentless fight to secure funding for education, ensuring that every child has access to quality schooling. His commitment to investing in education from preschool to higher education has empowered generations, fostering a more educated and skilled workforce.
Senator Durbin has also played a pivotal role in advocating for social justice and civil rights. His work on criminal justice reform, particularly in addressing racial disparities and promoting rehabilitation over incarceration, has sparked critical conversations and paved the way for necessary changes in our justice system.
Additionally, his leadership in the Senate has been instrumental in advancing legislation to combat climate change and protect the environment, championing policies that prioritize sustainability and conservation for future generations.
I have had the honor of working alongside him, witnessing firsthand the tireless efforts he has put into uplifting the voices of the marginalized and fighting for the rights of all Americans. His leadership in the Senate, where he has forged partnerships and built coalitions, has not only advanced policy but inspired a generation of leaders, including myself. Dick’s ability to bridge divides and find common ground in an often polarized political landscape is a remarkable trait that we should all aspire to emulate.
As he embarks on this new chapter beyond the halls of Congress, I am confident that his impact will continue to resonate through the lives he has touched and the policies he has shaped. Senator Durbin, thank you for your service, your friendship, and for being a beacon of hope and integrity. Your legacy will continue to guide us as we strive for a more equitable and just society.
Congratulations on your retirement, Senator. You have truly earned it.
Statement from Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch:
“Senator Dick Durbin’s service to Illinois leaves a legacy that stands alongside some of our finest statesmen. For more than 40 years, people have counted on Dick Durbin to be our leading voice in Washington. And time and time again—whether working with President Obama to expand access to affordable healthcare, leading the fight for courts that look like America and work for ordinary people, or working to build a smart and sustainable future for all—Senator Durbin has delivered. And one of the greatest testaments to his legacy is the work he has done to inspire, train, and empower new leaders who are now tasked with building on his historic legacy of service, integrity, and compassion.”
Statement from State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago):
“Dick Durbin has served our state and its people with honor and integrity, standing up for what is right above all else. His many accomplishments in Congress have shaped our state and our nation for the better, from fighting for clean air to standing up for immigrant families to delivering major investments in our infrastructure.
“His legacy and leadership are forever etched in Illinois history. I wish him and his family the very best as he completes his term and transitions to a very well-deserved retirement.”
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