Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, announced Wednesday that he won’t seek reelection in 2026, potentially making way for more fresh blood as the party pushes back against President Trump.
“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, 80, said in a video statement. “So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term.”
Durbin’s announcement leaves an empty coveted seat representing Illinois, the nation’s third most-populous solidly blue state.
It also will lead to a changing of the guard in Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Democratic leadership team, where Durbin had been his top lieutenant and ranking member of the powerful Judiciary Committee.
A mainstream liberal, Durbin is the fourth Democratic senator to announce they won’t run for reelection, a significant turnover that reflects the uphill battle the party will have to retake control of the Senate.
The most commonly mentioned Democratic candidates to succeed Durbin include Rep. Lauren Underwood, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Kelly along with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. Republicans made inroads in Illinois in the 2024 presidential election but any GOP candidate would start as a long shot.
Durbin did not endorse anyone to fill his seat.
Durbin’s retirement had been rumored for months because he had barely raised any money for a reelection campaign that otherwise should have already started kicking into gear.
A native of downstate East St. Louis, Durbin spent 44 years in Congress and 30 years in the Senate.
Schumer thanked Durbin for he service, reminding his colleague that they once shared a Washington D.C. apartment.
“He’s been a trusted partner, one of the most respected voices in the Senate for decades (and) my dear friend,” Schumer said in a statement.
Schumer’s current term runs through 2028. He has not said anything about his plans to seek reelection.
