Dick Durbin, No. 2 Democrat in Senate, Won’t Seek Re-Election
Senator Dick Durbin, who has served as the Senate’s second-ranking Democrat for years, revealed on Wednesday that he will step down at the end of his current term, igniting a scramble for his leadership role and triggering a high-profile primary contest in Illinois.
At 80 years old, Durbin’s decision was widely anticipated. He’s held his Senate seat since 1996 and has been the Senate Democratic whip since 2005, serving as the top deputy to both the late Harry Reid and, more recently, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
His departure marks him as the fourth Democratic senator to opt out of a re-election bid for 2026.
“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,” Durbin said in his formal statement.
Durbin’s exit will leave several influential roles vacant, most notably his past position as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In that role, he led the confirmation hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson, who made history as the first Black woman to join the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also been a longtime advocate for legislation to support Dreamers—undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children.
In Illinois, multiple Democratic figures are already eyeing the open seat, with some already amassing campaign funds in preparation for what is expected to be a competitive primary. Among the potential candidates are Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly, and Lauren Underwood, as well as Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton.
Following Durbin’s announcement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement of appreciation: “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.”
Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii also praised Durbin’s legacy, calling him “a pillar of leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the people of his home state of Illinois and the nation.”
Durbin is now the fourth Democrat in the Senate to announce plans to step down ahead of the 2026 elections.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has also announced she will not seek another term. The former governor and three-term senator represents a pivotal New England swing state, and her retirement creates additional challenges for Democrats hoping to reclaim Senate control.
Republicans see New Hampshire as a potential flip and have already begun targeting Shaheen, including airing ads focused on her support for USAID funding, which was slashed during the Trump administration.
In the 2024 elections, the GOP regained Senate control by capturing four seats previously held by Democrats. Now, they are aiming to expand their lead in 2026.
Beyond New Hampshire, Republicans are focusing on battleground states like Michigan, where Senator Gary Peters has declared he will not run again, and Georgia, where first-term Senator Jon Ossoff may face a tough re-election in the swing state.
Adding to their prospects, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith also announced her intention not to seek another term, giving Republicans a shot at gaining ground in another traditionally blue state.
With these developments, the GOP sees an opening to flip at least two additional Senate seats in 2026—potentially widening their majority if they can retain their current strongholds.