‘The threats to our democracy and way of life are real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight’
By Joe Kovacs
The No. 2 Democrat in the U.S. Senate, Dick Durbin, will not seek reelection in 2026, as he announced his retirement Wednesday after 44 years in Congress.
“The decision of whether to run for reelection has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States senator,” Durbin said in a video he posted 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 reelection at the end of my term.”
“I have given more than half of my life to House and Senate congressional service, and I’ve always tried to stand up to power on behalf of the people of Illinois and our country,” he continued.
“I am proud of what I have achieved and hope my record will speak for itself.
“But none of it would have been possible without my wife, Loretta; our children, Christine, Paul, and Jennifer; my energetic grandchildren; and my extended family, who stood with me and accepted the demands of my public career.