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WASHINGTON — Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, saying he would “pass the torch” to up-and-coming leaders in his party.
The no. 2 Democrat in the Senate posted a video message on X explaining his decision to step down after having served five terms — “longer than anyone elected to the Senate” in Illinois’ history.
“The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States senator,” Durbin said. “But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch.”
The 80-year-old added that “a strong Democratic bench” would be “ready to serve” in his place — without naming any immediate successors — and touted his support for fellow Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth to replace him as Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s second-in-command.
It’s also unclear who will replace Durbin as top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has led the opposition to President Trump’s agenda.
Durbin was a key opponent of Trump’s remaking of the US Supreme Court by appointing conservative justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett during his first term.
Democrats on the panel have also recently demanded the release of anti-Israel Columbia University protester Mahmoud Khalil, who is currently being held at a federal detention center in Louisiana as he fights deportation.
Some younger Democratic senators, like Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) have been jockeying to lead their party’s messaging efforts in the wake of President Trump’s 2024 election victory.
That’s put Schumer in a tough spot as “Squad” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has been mulling whether to primary the Senate Democratic leader in 2028.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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