Freddie Everett / State Department
CV NEWS FEED // Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection in 2026, bringing an end to a 44-year career in Congress.
“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 wrote on X. “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.”
Durbin currently serves as the Senate Democratic Whip and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. First elected to the House in 1982 and the Senate in 1996, he has long been a central figure in Democratic leadership.
In a video message, Durbin warned of “historic and unprecedented…threats to our democracy” and pledged to continue to “fight for Illinois” throughout the remainder of his term.
His departure adds to a growing list of Senate Democrats stepping down in 2026, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, N.H., Gary Peters, Mich., and Tina Smith, Minn..
Republicans pointed to the trend as a sign of losing Democratic policies heading into the next election cycle.
“Senate Democrats continue to jump ship as their party’s brand tanks because they prioritize criminal illegal aliens over the Americans that elected them,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokeswoman Johanna Rodriguez.
A self-identified Catholic, Durbin has faced criticism from pro-life and Catholic leaders for his staunch support of abortion and LGBTQ legislation. In 2018, Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield publicly declared that Durbin should be denied Holy Communion for his “obstinate persistence in manifest grave sin,” amid his pro-abortion stance.
Though Illinois remains a Democratic stronghold, President Donald Trump narrowed the margin in 2024, cutting his 2020 loss margin by 6 points.
Durbin’s open seat is still widely expected to stay in Democratic hands.
Likely contenders for the seat include Reps. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lauren Underwood, along with Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and state Sen. Robert Peters. All are Illinois Democrats.
