Dick Durbin Announces Decision To Not Seek Reelection In 2026

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, announced that he will not be seeking reelection in 2026.

Transcript

00:00The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy.

00:04I truly love the job of being United States Senator, but in my heart, I know it's time

00:08to pass the torch.

00:10So I'm announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term.

00:14The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected

00:19to the Senate in our state's history.

00:22I'm truly grateful.

00:23Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented.

00:28The threats to our democracy and way of life are very real.

00:32And I can assure you, I'll do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future

00:36of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate.

00:40I've given over half of my life to House and Senate Congressional Service.

00:43I've always tried to stand up to power on behalf of the people of Illinois and our country.

00:47But none of it would have been possible without my wife, Loretta, our kids, Christine, Paul

00:52and Jennifer, and my energetic and amazing grandchildren, as well as my extended family.

00:58They stood with me and accepted the demands of my public career.

01:02I've been blessed to have them, as well as the best Senate staff anyone could ask for.

01:06My Senate colleague, Tammy Duckworth, is a trusted friend and an effective leader.

01:12He'll be a real asset to Illinois and the nation as our state's senior senator.

01:16We're also fortunate to have a strong Democratic bench ready to serve.

01:20We need them now more than ever.

01:23To the Illinoisans who gave this kid from East St. Louis a chance to serve, thank you for

01:27supporting me through the words and actions over the years.

01:30Now that I have this announcement behind me, I need to get back to work.