Senator Dick Durbin Announces Retirement, Paving Way for Successor

Senator Dick Durbin’s retirement marks a pivotal moment in Illinois politics, leaving a significant opening in the US Senate as the state anticipates a new era of leadership.

Key Takeaways

US Senator Dick Durbin announced his retirement and says he will not seek reelection in 2026.
Durbin will tie with former Illinois Senator Shelby Collum as the longest-serving US senator in Illinois history.
Potential candidates for Durbin’s seat include US Rep. Lauren Underwood, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, and US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.
The state is expected to remain Democratic, with strong party support in Chicago and its suburbs.
Durbin promised to continue his work in the Senate for the remainder of his term.

Durbin Plans To Step Aside

Senator Dick Durbin, having served Illinois since 1997, has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026. His contributions include his roles as the Senate Democratic Whip and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

During his tenure, Durbin introduced legislation like the Dream Act and was instrumental in the development of DACA. He also championed the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform measure. His retirement follows those of Senators Gary Peters, Tina Smith, and Jeanne Shaheen, indicating a generational shift in the Democratic Party.

The Senate's number two Democrat, Dick Durbin (IL) says he will not be seeking reelection. By stepping away, Durbin will end his more than four-decade career representing Illinois.https://t.co/IH1dorquFG

— ABC 7 Amarillo (@ABC7Amarillo) April 24, 2025

Emerging Contenders and Political Prospects

The race for Durbin’s seat is expected to be competitive among Democrats, although only Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has launched a bid on that side of the aisle thus far. Other potential successors include Representatives Lauren Underwood, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. Rep. Krishnamoorthi leads in early fundraising efforts.

Other potential Democratic candidates include former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. The race is classified as solid Democrat by the Cook Political Report, with expectations that the seat will remain Democratic due to the party’s strength in the region.

“There are at least a dozen names that I think are serious,” Durbin said regarding the race, although he stopped short of making any endorsements. Recent polling numbers suggest Underwood and Krishnamoorthi could emerge as frontrunners, although who will ultimately take the seat is still anyone’s guess.

Representative Darin LaHood has indicated that he may be interested in running for the seat on the Republican side. Former House candidate Doug Bennett and Air Force veteran John Goodman have also announced their bids for the spot.

Senate Landscape and Durbin’s Reflections

Durbin’s retirement is part of a larger trend of veteran Democrats exiting the Senate. However, he promised to continue serving out the remainder of his term.

The upcoming Illinois Senate race will shed light on Democratic dynamics and strategic ambitions. The involvement of key political figures in these campaigns will play a major role in shaping the future of Illinois politics and the broader Senate landscape.