Dick Durbin confirms he won't run for re-election in 2026
The Democratic Party's number two in the Senate is ending his career after three decades of defending Illinois' interests in Congress.
Dick Durbin, during an appearance
Senator and deputy Senate Democratic Party leader Dick Durbin (Ill.) announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026.
Durbin has decided to end his career in the Upper House, where he will have served three decades when his term ends. He is 80 years old.
"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. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term," Durbin said in a social media post which also included a farewell video.
Chuck Schumer, Democratic leader in the Senate, was the first to react to Durbin's announcement, whom he called a "dear friend."
"Dick Durbin has been more than a colleague—he’s been a trusted partner, one of the most respected voices in the Senate for decades, my dear friend, and, of course, my former roommate," Schumer said.
Before taking a Senate seat, Durbin defended Illinois' 20th district in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 1997.
He got married in 1967 and has three children.
RECOMMENDATION
LATEST
