WASHINGTON — Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, saying he would “pass the torch” to up-and-coming leaders in his party.
The no. 2 Democrat in the Senate posted a video message on X explaining his decision to step down after having served five terms — “longer than anyone elected to the Senate” in Illinois’ history.
“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 said. “But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch.”
The 80-year-old added that “a strong Democratic bench” would be “ready to serve” in his place — without naming any immediate successors — and touted his support for fellow Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth to replace him as Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s second-in-command.
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