Durbin’s 2026 Retirement Reshapes Illinois Senate Race

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate's Democratic whip, announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a career of over 40 years in Congress. Durbin's retirement opens a safe Democratic seat and is expected to trigger a fiercely contested primary, with possible candidates including Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lauren Underwood, Robin Kelly, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. The departure also starts competition for the Senate's No. 2 Democratic leadership post, with Sen. Brian Schatz reportedly under consideration, and for the top Democratic spot on the Judiciary Committee, likely to go to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. Durbin's legislative legacy includes the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act and advocacy for credit card processing reform. He has received praise from national and local leaders, including Barack Obama, for his integrity and public service. The announcement signals significant changes for Illinois politics ahead of the 2026 elections.