Illinois Senator Dick Durbin’s upcoming retirement from the Senate will kick off a potentially crowded field of candidate vying to replace him in the solidly blue state.
Why It Matters
Durbin, an 80-year-old Democrat, announced on Wednesday he’s not seeking reelection in 2026, after nearly three decades of serving in the U.S. Senate. He said in a video announcing his retirement that he “loves the job,” but knows it’s “time to pass the torch.”
Many Democratic voters have called for longtime legislators to step down and give younger generations a chance to lead the party after Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the last presidential election. Several other Democratic senators, such as Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Tina Smith of Minnesota, have thus far announced they’re not running for reelection. Durbin, the party’s number-two official in the upper chamber, is the highest-ranking Democrat yet to retire this cycle.
Democrats shouldn’t have much trouble holding the Illinois Senate race next year, as the state is solidly blue, having backed Harris by double digits last year due to the party’s strength in Chicago and its suburbs. Whomever emerges from the primary would be an overwhelming favorite to hold the seat in the general and future elections.
What to Know
A poll released earlier in April sheds light on how a Democratic primary could play out in Illinois after Durbin’s retirement. Notably, none of the candidates polled have announced plans to run at this point but may do so in the near future now that Durbin, who was widely expected to retire, has officially made his announcement.
Representative Lauren Underwood speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19, 2024. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi speaks at the Democratic national Convention in Chicago on August 22, 2024.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS and MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
A 314 Action Fund poll surveyed 773 likely Democratic primary voters from March 24 to March 27. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.53 percentage points and was first reported by Politico.
The poll asked Illinois voters about who they would prefer between Representatives Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lauren Underwood and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton—four Democrats who have been floated as potential Senate candidates.
Underwood held a slight lead of 33 percent, with Krishnamoorthi closely following at 30 percent. Sixteen percent said they would vote for Stratton, while 10 percent backed Kelly. An additional 10 percent said they weren’t sure how they’d vote.
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been floated as a candidate as well. Axios reported in December that the Senate could be a “landing spot” as the former Obama chief of state and party power broker seeks to return to national politics.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that State Treasurer Michael Frerichs may also jump into the race.
Representative Delia Ramirez, a more progressive Democrat, told NOTUS in January she had not ruled out a potential Senate bid.
On the Republican side, Representative Darin LaHood also told NOTUS he would not “close the door” on a Senate run.
“I’ve had a lot of people encourage me to think about doing it,” he told the publication.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin speaks during a hearing on Gun Conversion Devices at the US Capitol on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
What People Are Saying
Durbin told WBEZ on Wednesday: “There are at least a dozen names that I think are serious. You’ve named a number of them. But there is a larger number who have approached me and said they might be interested in it.”
Lt Gov. Juliana Stratton, in a statement to X: “For almost three decades, Dick Durbin has been a fierce champion for Illinois in the United States Senate. His leadership on healthcare, veterans issues, infrastructure, DACA, our judiciary system, and so much more will continue to leave a positive impact on our country for years to come.”
What Happens Next
With Durbin officially announcing his retirement on Wednesday, candidates could begin throwing their hats in the ring.
Elections forecasters anticipate Democrats will hold the seat in November 2026. The Cook Political Report classifies the Illinois Senate race as solid Democrat, meaning it is “not considered competitive” and “not likely to become closely contested.”
