Sen. Dick Durbin Announces Retirement: Who Might Replace Him?

One of the most well-known names in U.S. politics is stepping away. Senator Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026. The news came in a video posted on his social media accounts, where the 80-year-old Illinois lawmaker said it was “time to pass the torch.”

Durbin has served in the Senate since 1996 and spent 14 years in the House before that. His decision opens up a major Senate seat in a solidly Democratic state—setting off a wave of speculation about who will run to replace him.

What Did Durbin Do in the Senate?

Durbin is known for his work on judiciary and immigration issues. As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2021 to 2024, he helped confirm 235 federal judges, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. His leadership helped shape the current direction of the U.S. legal system.

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He was also a strong supporter of immigration reform. In 2001, he co-wrote the original DREAM Act, which inspired the DACA program created in 2012. Even though the DREAM Act never became law, it paved the way for new protections for young undocumented immigrants.

Earlier in his career, Durbin led efforts to ban smoking on airplanes, a change that helped protect public health and is still remembered today.

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Who Might Run for His Seat?

Durbin’s retirement has opened the door for several Illinois Democrats who may want to run for Senate. Here are some of the names being talked about:

• Raja Krishnamoorthi: A U.S. Representative from the Chicago suburbs. He has raised more than $3 million already and has $19 million in campaign funds.
• Lauren Underwood: Another Representative who is known for her work in health policy. She has $1.1 million ready for a campaign.
• Robin Kelly: A longtime politician and advocate for gun control. She currently has $2 million in campaign funds.
• Juliana Stratton: Illinois’ Lieutenant Governor. She recently launched a federal PAC and is seen as a strong potential candidate.

Durbin is the fourth Democratic senator to announce retirement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, joining Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Gary Peters (MI), and Tina Smith (MN). With control of the Senate on the line, the race for this Illinois seat will be closely watched.