Durbin will not seek reelection, ending 44 year career
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — For 44 years, Senator Dick Durbin has represented Illinois in Congress. He announced Wednesday that career will come to an end, as he won't seek reelection when his term ends in 2026.
This was a long-anticipated decision from Durbin, who is nearing 80 years old. He said Wednesday that committing to another 6 year term was not in the cards.
'The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected to the Senate in our state's history. I am truly grateful,' Durbin said. 'Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented. The threats to our democracy and way of life are very real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate.'
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Durbin started his congressional career by winning a seat in the House of Representatives in 1982. He served there before moving over to the Senate in 1997, where he has served since. He reached the upper echelons of power in D.C., serving two stints as the Democrat Majority Whip, and chairing the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, where he oversaw the appointment of numerous Federal judges, including Supreme Court nominees.
The junior Senator from Illinois, Tammy Duckworth, congratulated Durbin on his career in public service, and credited him for many of her own political successes.
'It is only because of Dick's empathy, patience, support and mentorship that I am in the United States Senate today,' Duckworth said. 'It has been the honor of a lifetime to get to work alongside a leader who embodies what it means to be a true public servant.'
Governor JB Pritzker also highlighted Durbin's successes in office.
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'Throughout his career, Senator Durbin has been a consistent champion and reliable leader for our working families, civil rights, healthcare, climate, and beyond,' Pritzker said. 'From first introducing the DREAM Act, to leading the historic confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to bringing in major federal infrastructure projects to our state, Senator Durbin has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of everyday Illinoisans.'
Rep. Nikki Budzinski said she volunteered for his first senate campaign in college and said she cannot overstate her admiration for the senator.
'Senator Durbin has led our delegation — and the Senate Democratic caucus — with conviction and principle, especially in defending our democracy during some of its most trying moments,' Budzinski said. 'All members of Congress should look to Senator Durbin as a shining example of standing up for what is right and putting the people of your state first.'
Durbin's decision to not run will set off what is expected to be a massive chain reaction in the Illinois political landscape. Multiple high profile names have been gearing up for a run at the highly-coveted Senate seat, including two Illinois Congressional Representatives.
'Known for his legendary work ethic, Senator Durbin has led the fight to expand access to affordable health care, invest in our state's infrastructure, tackle gun violence, defend Dreamers, improve public health, protect working families, and more,' Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a politician eying the seat, said. 'His expert leadership on the Senate Judiciary Committee ensured the confirmation of a record 235 federal judges, shaping the courts and securing our most fundamental American rights for many years to come.'
'Senator Durbin has given Illinois a lifetime of principled leadership — grounded in decency, driven by purpose, and always guided by the people he served,' Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton, another leader many are speculating will run for the seat, said. 'I'm grateful for his service to our state, nation, and for the example he's set. Illinois is stronger because of him and the work he's championed will carry on.'
This story will be updated.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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