April 25, 2025: Illinois and Washington reacts to Sen. Durbin not seeking re-election
Ranking Member Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., questions the witnesses during a Senate Judiciary committee hearing on fentanyl, and the need for permanent class scheduling, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said Wednesday he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending his more than four-decade career representing Illinois and accelerating a generational shift in Senate Democratic leadership where he has long held the No. 2 position.
Durbin, 80, is in his fifth Senate term and was first elected to the House in 1982. His decision not to run will set off a scramble for his Senate seat in solidly Democratic Illinois and for his leadership position in Washington as many in the party agitate for a new and more aggressive approach to confronting Republican President Donald Trump in his second term.
“The decision of whether to run has not been easy," Durbin said in a video posted to X. “I truly love the job of being a United States senator. But in my heart I know it’s time to pass the torch.”
Guests:
Dave McKinney
Political reporter, WBEZ
Linda Kenyon
Illinois Public Media Washington, DC Reporter