Senator Dick Durbin has announced his retirement from Congress after 44 years, signaling a major shift in Democratic leadership as the second-ranking Senate Democrat steps down amid generational changes on Capitol Hill.
Quick Takes
- Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), 80, announced he will not seek re-election in 2026 after serving five terms, the longest Senate tenure in Illinois history.
- As Senate Majority Whip and Judiciary Committee chair, Durbin’s departure creates significant leadership vacancies within the Democratic party.
- Durbin’s retirement adds to a growing exodus of senior senators, marking a generational shift in Congress.
- Despite reluctance to leave during Trump’s second term, Durbin decided “it’s time to pass the torch” to new Democratic leadership.
- Younger Democratic senators like Chris Murphy and Brian Schatz are positioning themselves for potential leadership roles.
End of an Era for Senate Democrats
Senator Dick Durbin, the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, bringing his 44-year congressional career to a close. The 80-year-old Illinois lawmaker has served five terms in the Senate – the longest tenure of any senator from the Prairie State. His departure creates significant vacancies in Democratic leadership, as Durbin currently serves as both the Senate Majority Whip and chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee, positions he has used to advance liberal priorities and oppose Republican judicial nominees.
In his announcement, Durbin emphasized that his decision wasn’t easy but necessary. “The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch,” Durbin stated in his retirement video message. The timing of his announcement gives potential successors nearly two years to prepare for what will likely be a competitive primary in the reliably Democratic state.
Sen. Dick Durbin is retiring.
After three decades in office, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat won't run for reelection. Ambitious Illinois Democrats are already lining up to replace him.https://t.co/FBQCCasxSL pic.twitter.com/RKfWYoWjw0
— POLITICO (@politico) April 23, 2025
Leadership Void and Succession Questions
Durbin’s retirement creates significant leadership vacancies within the Democratic party. As the No. 2 Senate Democrat for two decades, he has been a key ally to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and a central figure in legislative negotiations. His departure raises immediate questions about who will replace him in leadership and as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Illinois senator has been instrumental in steering federal judiciary confirmations during President Biden’s term, overseeing more than 235 judicial appointments.
Several younger Democratic senators are already positioning themselves for leadership roles, with names like Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Brian Schatz of Hawaii emerging as potential successors. Durbin acknowledged there are “good people on the bench ready to serve,” though he declined to endorse any specific colleagues for his leadership positions.
A Conservative Nemesis Steps Down
Throughout his career, Durbin has been a consistent opponent of conservative priorities, particularly during the Trump administration. As Judiciary Committee chair, he vigorously opposed President Trump’s Supreme Court nominations and has been involved in recent court controversies. His legislative accomplishments include banning smoking on airplanes and advocating for immigration reform, often putting him at odds with Republican colleagues.
Durbin’s retirement contributes to a significant generational shift occurring in the Senate. He is the fifth senator over 65 to announce retirement ahead of the 2026 election cycle. His departure highlights the aging leadership within both parties, where the average age of senators continues to climb. While expressing initial reluctance to step down during Trump’s second term, which he viewed as a critical moment for democracy, Durbin ultimately decided new leadership was needed to carry on Democratic priorities.
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Durbin, No. 2 Senate Democrat, to Retire After 44 Years in Congress
Dem Sen. Dick Durbin to Retire After 44 Years in Congress
