In a significant announcement for Illinois politics, Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin confirmed that he will not run for a sixth term in 2026. This decision, revealed in an exclusive interview with WBEZ, signals a pivotal moment in the political landscape of Illinois as various contenders prepare for a heated succession battle. "I've decided not to run for re-election. 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 re-election," Durbin stated during the interview held in downtown Chicago.
Durbin's decision is largely influenced by his age; he will be 88 by the end of a potential sixth term. “It’s time,” the 80-year-old senator reflected. He acknowledged that while some of his colleagues, like Bernie Sanders and Chuck Grassley, seem to defy the aging process, he prefers to exit while he still feels capable. “I try to gauge it to the point where I can walk out the front door. I don’t have to be carried out. I feel that way now. I’m physically and mentally strong. But I don’t want to wait too long and test fate,” he explained.
Durbin's announcement has ignited a flurry of speculation regarding his potential successors. A long list of Democratic candidates is already positioning themselves for the upcoming primary. Notable names include former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, and U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who boasts a substantial $19 million political war chest. Other Democrats potentially in the mix include U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood and Robin Kelly.
Despite the interest surrounding the primary, Durbin has indicated that he does not plan to endorse any candidates unless a situation arises that requires his intervention. “There are at least a dozen names that I think are serious... But there is a larger number who have approached me and said they might be interested in it,” he noted.
Durbin’s departure will undoubtedly affect Illinois’ representation in Washington, D.C. As the Senate Democratic whip, he held the second-highest position in his party, granting him considerable influence over national policies. He is also the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee and has spent over two decades on the Senate Appropriations Committee, integral to budget discussions.
The vacancy left by Durbin could potentially allow Illinois Republicans a chance to reclaim a Senate seat, a feat they have not achieved since Mark Kirk was defeated in 2016 by Tammy Duckworth. Had Durbin chosen to run again, he would have likely been a strong candidate, given his previous electoral successes.
While there were no indications of a primary challenge against Durbin, he faced some criticism from progressive allies, particularly regarding his vote on a budget resolution backed by the Trump administration. A coalition of Democratic-aligned groups expressed disappointment in his decision, but Durbin defended his vote as a necessary action to prevent a government shutdown, which he argued would have led to chaos.
Senator Durbin has left an indelible mark on Illinois and national politics over his 28 years in the Senate. His tenure has included significant achievements, such as chairing the influential Senate Judiciary Committee during President Joe Biden's administration, where he oversaw the confirmation of 235 judges, including the historic appointment of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Durbin has also been pivotal in championing legislation aimed at public health and immigration reform, including the elimination of smoking in public spaces and the establishment of protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
As he prepares to conclude his political career, Durbin emphasizes the importance of connecting with all constituents across Illinois, particularly in historically Republican regions. He believes that future Democratic leaders should not neglect downstate voters, stating, “Get to know the entire damn state from one end to the other. Don’t let the people down in southern Illinois say, ‘I never see that senator.’”
Durbin’s family has played a crucial role in his decision-making process, expressing their support as he embarks on this new chapter. “This is a family undertaking... They knew I had to make the decision. And they’re with me, and that makes a big difference,” he shared.
As Senator Durbin looks to the future, he hopes that Illinois voters will remember him as an honest and hardworking public servant who made a positive impact on their lives. “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. That’s the bottom line,” he concluded.
