Sen. Dick Durbin Announces Retirement, Won’t Seek Re-election in 2026

Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the Senate Democratic whip and top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026. Durbin, 80, who has served in the Senate since 1996, shared his decision in a video message on X on Wednesday.

“The decision to not run for re-election has not been easy,” Durbin said. “I truly love the job of being a U.S. Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch.”

Durbin joins three other Democratic senators—Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Gary Peters of Michigan, and Tina Smith of Minnesota—who have decided not to seek re-election in 2026. Additionally, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet recently announced he will run for governor next year.

Durbin, who first entered the House of Representatives in 1982, succeeded his mentor Paul Simon in the Senate in 1996. His retirement is expected to spark a competitive race to fill his seat, with both Democratic and Republican candidates eyeing the position.

Illinois, a solidly Democratic state, is expected to keep the seat in Democratic hands. The GOP has only captured one Illinois Senate seat in the last 40 years, but former President Donald Trump did make gains in Illinois during the 2024 election.

Republican National Senatorial Committee communications director Johanna Rodriguez attributed Durbin’s retirement to declining policies within the Democratic Party. However, Maeve Coyle, communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, reaffirmed that Democrats will hold the seat in 2026, noting that no Republican has won a Senate seat in Illinois in 15 years.

Democratic candidates considering a run for Durbin’s seat include Reps. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lauren Underwood, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, and state Sen. Robert Peters.

Former President Barack Obama praised Durbin’s career, calling him one of the finest senators in the country. Obama credited Durbin with playing a key role in his own political rise, stating, "I would not have been a United States Senator—and certainly not President—without Dick's support."

Durbin, known for his leadership on issues such as smoking bans, immigration reform, and criminal justice reform, has also advocated for stricter gun laws and supported the Affordable Care Act. He voted to convict Trump in both impeachment trials, though Trump was acquitted each time.

Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois also honored Durbin’s legacy, calling him a "giant" of the Senate. Duckworth, who met Durbin after she lost both legs in Iraq in 2004, recalled his mentorship and empathy during her recovery.

"Dick saw past the wounds and the wheelchair," Duckworth said. "He saw a soldier in search of her next mission."

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.