Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has officially announced that he will not seek a sixth term in 2026, confirming to WBEZ that his tenure will conclude in 2027.
In a recent interview in downtown Chicago, the 80-year-old senator shared, “I’ve decided not to run for reelection. So a year and a half from now, I’ll be wrapping up. I plan on working full-time until that moment, but I’m not going to be waging a campaign for reelection.”
Durbin cited his age as a significant factor in this decision, noting that he would be 88 by the end of a potential sixth term.
“It’s time,” he stated, reflecting on the observable aging process of some of his colleagues, like Bernie Sanders and Chuck Grassley, who remain active in their roles.
He emphasized his current physical and mental vitality, expressing a desire not to linger beyond an appropriate timeframe.
Durbin had kept his retirement plans clandestine, preferring to share the news with a limited circle of friends initially.
He informed his staff about his decision just prior to the announcement, which reportedly caught many within his circle off guard.
The implications of Durbin’s decision are profound for Illinois politics, as it opens a significant opportunity for potential Democratic successors who have long been positioning themselves for this eventuality.
Among the prominent figures eyeing the Senate seat are former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, and U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who holds a substantial political war chest.
Other notable contenders may include U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood and Robin Kelly.
Despite the incoming competition, Durbin has expressed that he does not intend to endorse a candidate in the primary unless a situation arises that demands his involvement.
“There are at least a dozen names that I think are serious,” he mentioned, recognizing the depth of talent within the Democratic Party.
Durbin’s departure is expected to be a substantial loss for Illinois, particularly given his seniority and influence as the Senate Democratic whip.
He has played a critical role in shaping national policy and has held significant positions including ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee and a long tenure on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The opening left by Durbin may also create a rare opportunity for Illinois Republicans, although they have not held a Senate seat since Mark Kirk’s defeat in 2016.
Had Durbin chosen to run in 2026, he was likely to be a formidable candidate, having widely outperformed Republican opponents in previous elections.
In recent months, there were no indications of any major primary challenges from within the Democratic Party.
However, Durbin did face some dissatisfaction from progressive allies following a continuing budget resolution he supported.
This coalition of groups expressed disappointment over this vote, indicating some unrest within segments of the party.
Conversely, Durbin has maintained a firm stance against former President Trump, criticizing his trade policies and administration appointments consistently throughout his tenure.
As Durbin contemplates his remaining time in office, he reflects on the state of American democracy, stating, “The future of American democracy is at an inflection point.”
He expressed concern over Trump’s disregard for constitutional norms and the challenges Democrats face moving forward.
Durbin’s long career has been marked by several notable achievements.
First elected to the Senate in 1996, he has since been a key player in numerous legislative initiatives.
He is known for his efforts in ending smoking in public spaces, having successfully banned smoking on airplanes in 1987, which eventually led to broader smoking restrictions in various environments.
Moreover, Durbin has advocated fiercely for immigrant rights, particularly the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which he initially supported in 2001, culminating in its establishment by President Obama in 2012.
In his personal evolution on issues, Durbin has transformed from opposing abortion rights to becoming a staunch advocate for them, showcasing a significant shift in his political positions influenced by personal stories from constituents.
Durbin’s backing of younger Democratic leaders has also been vital.
He was the first U.S. senator to endorse Barack Obama’s presidential ambitions during the 2008 election cycle, setting a precedent for other prominent Democrats to follow.
Locally, his endorsement of Tammy Duckworth was instrumental in her success against incumbent Mark Kirk in 2016.
Durbin hopes to be remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked earnestly to improve the lives of Illinois residents.
As he approaches the end of his long-standing career in public office, he focuses on the importance of legacy, family support, and the responsibility of future leaders in Illinois.
“I hope they believe I’m honest, and I hope they believe I’ve worked hard at the job, and I’ve done some things that might improve the lives of themselves and their families. That’s all I can ask for,” he declared.
image source from：https://www.wbez.org/politics/2025/04/23/senator-dick-durbin-illinois-reelection-decision-sixth-term
