Senator Dick Durbin Announces He Won't Run for Re-Election in 2026
Sarah Johnson
April 23, 2025
Senator Dick Durbin, the Senate Democratic whip and a longtime fixture in Congress, has decided he’s hanging up his hat at the end of his term in 2026. Durbin, who’s served Illinois in the Senate since 1996 and currently sits as the top Democrat on the powerful Judiciary Committee, broke the news Wednesday via a video message on X.
“The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy,” Durbin shared. “I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term.”
With nearly three decades on Capitol Hill, Durbin’s exit is sure to set off a scramble for his seat and shake up the leadership ranks. It’s the end of an era for Illinois politics—and frankly, for the Senate floor, which might feel a little quieter without him.
This story is developing. More updates to come as the political game of musical chairs kicks off in Illinois.
Editor's Comments
If you’ve been in the Senate since the '90s, you’ve basically lived through every possible Capitol Hill drama—so I guess Durbin finally decided he’s earned a break. Can’t help but wonder if passing the torch comes with a user manual, or if the next Illinois Senator just gets a strongly worded Post-it note. Either way, Illinois is about to get a front-row seat to some wild political auditions.
— Sarah Johnson
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