Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate, announced Wednesday that he will not run for reelection, bringing an end to a political career that has spanned more than four decades.
“The decision of whether to run for reelection has not been easy. I truly love the job of being United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch,” Durbin said in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter). “So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking reelection at the end of my term.”
Durbin, 80, was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and has served five terms. Before that, he represented Illinois’ 20th District in the U.S. House from 1983 to 1997. Since 2005, he has been the Senate Democratic Whip, playing a major role in leading his party. He’s also the top Democrat on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee.
There had been talk for months about whether Durbin would run again, especially after he reported raising just $42,000 in the first three months of this year—a small amount for a Senate campaign.
In his retirement announcement, Durbin said the country faces major challenges and promised to keep working hard until the end of his term. He also thanked his family and fellow Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth for their support.
Durbin is now the fourth Senate Democrat to announce they won’t run again, joining Senators Gary Peters of Michigan, Tina Smith of Minnesota, and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.
His decision opens the door for what could be a competitive Democratic primary in Illinois. Possible contenders include Representatives Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lauren Underwood, as well as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. Krishnamoorthi is especially well-positioned, with nearly $20 million already raised.
Because Illinois leans heavily Democratic, whoever wins the party’s nomination is expected to be the favorite in the general election next November.
