After more than 28 years in the U.S. Senate, Dick Durbin announced on Wednesday that he will not seek reelection, opening up a competitive Democratic primary in a reliably blue state.
“In my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch,” Durbin said in a video posted to X. “I’ve given over half of my life to House and Senate congressional service. I’ve always tried to stand up to power on behalf of the people of Illinois and our country.”
Durbin is the fourth Democratic senator to announce their retirement this year, following Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Gary Peters and Tina Smith. His retirement also opens up a spot in the Senate’s Democratic leadership, where he serves as whip.