Illinois Senator Dick Durbin Announces Retirement from U.S. Senate After Five Terms
Longtime Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, confirming he will step down when his current term ends in January 2027. Durbin, who currently serves as the Senate Democratic whip and holds a powerful role on the Senate Judiciary Committee, shared the news exclusively with WBEZ in a widely anticipated decision set to spark a competitive Democratic primary.
“I’ve decided not to run for re-election,” said Durbin, 80, in an interview from downtown Chicago. “I’ll work full-time through the rest of my term, but I won’t campaign again.”
Age and Timing Behind Durbin’s Decision
Durbin cited his age as the primary factor for stepping aside. If he were to complete a sixth term, he would be 88 years old. Reflecting on the aging process in the Senate, he said, “You watch your colleagues — some seem to defy aging, like Bernie Sanders or Chuck Grassley. But others aren’t so fortunate. I want to walk out the front door, not be carried out.”
Durbin informed his staff Wednesday morning, keeping his decision tightly held until the formal announcement. WBEZ and The New York Times were the first to report the news.
A Heated Succession Race Ahead
Durbin’s departure is expected to dramatically shift the landscape of Illinois politics. The list of potential Democratic successors includes former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi — who has a formidable $19 million campaign fund.
Other prominent names in the mix include U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood and Robin Kelly. Durbin has indicated he will not endorse a candidate unless “something serious” arises that warrants intervention.
Impact on the U.S. Senate and Illinois
As the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, Durbin’s retirement is a significant loss for Illinois. He played a key role in national policy decisions and held a seat on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee for 26 years.
His departure may open a rare opportunity for Illinois Republicans, although recent history shows they’ve struggled to win statewide Senate races. The last Republican senator from Illinois, Mark Kirk, was defeated in 2016 by current Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
Durbin’s Legacy and Opposition to Trump
Throughout his tenure, Durbin was a vocal critic of Donald Trump. He opposed the former president’s trade policies, cabinet appointments, and efforts to weaken federal agencies. In 2018, Durbin publicly condemned the Trump administration’s family separation policy, holding a press conference with a card made by detained children in Chicago.
Although progressive groups criticized Durbin last month for backing a continuing resolution supported by the Trump administration, he defended the vote as necessary to avoid a federal government shutdown.
Durbin said he plans to continue challenging Trump’s influence during his final 20 months, stating that American democracy is at “an inflection point.”
A Career Spanning Over Four Decades
Durbin first entered the Senate in 1996, succeeding Democratic icon Paul Simon. Prior to that, he served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Over his nearly 30-year Senate career, Durbin became the longest-serving popularly elected senator in Illinois history.
His early government experience included working for then-Lt. Gov. Paul Simon and volunteering in the 1966 re-election campaign of Sen. Paul Douglas.
Legislative Achievements and Advocacy
Among Durbin’s signature achievements:
- Smoking Ban on Airplanes: In 1987, as a congressman, Durbin authored legislation that banned smoking on airplanes, paving the way for broader public smoking bans nationwide.
- Support for Dreamers: Durbin was a key figure behind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, first proposing protections for undocumented youth in 2001.
- Judicial Leadership: As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin oversaw the confirmation of 235 federal judges under President Joe Biden, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Evolution on Abortion Rights
A devout Roman Catholic, Durbin was initially anti-abortion but shifted his stance in the late 1980s after hearing stories from survivors of rape and incest. His pro-choice views led to his being denied communion in his Springfield parish — a restriction still in place today.
Mentorship and Influence on Future Leaders
Durbin helped shape the Democratic Party in Illinois and nationally. He was the first senator to endorse Barack Obama for president in 2008 and played a crucial role in backing Tammy Duckworth’s successful Senate run in 2016.
“She’s one of my best friends and most effective senators,” Durbin said of Duckworth. “I’m leaving the state in good hands.”
Reflections on Illinois and Political Change
Durbin acknowledged shifting political winds, especially downstate, where Republican support has grown. Still, he urged future candidates not to abandon rural and southern Illinois.
“Get to know the whole state,” he advised. “Don’t let southern Illinois feel forgotten. Show up, do your job.”
A Family Decision
Durbin emphasized that his decision to retire was made in close consultation with his family, particularly his wife, Loretta, and their children.
“This is a family undertaking,” he said. “They knew I had to make the decision. And they’re with me — that makes all the difference.”