Sen. Dick Durbin Announces Retirement, Shakes Democratic Landscape

Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the U.S. Senate and a long-serving Illinois lawmaker, announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a political career spanning over four decades. Durbin, who has served as Senate Democratic whip since 2005 and is the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, cited his desire to 'pass the torch' in his announcement. His retirement sets off a competitive race for his seat in a state that has become increasingly Democratic, although the party must now defend another key Senate seat in its pursuit to hold or regain a majority. Durbin's legislative legacy includes significant public health achievements such as leading efforts to ban indoor smoking on flights, and his departure adds to a growing list of Democratic senators retiring in the next cycle.