Senator Dick Durbin Announces Retirement, Sparking Major Political Shift

Senator Dick Durbin, a top Senate Democrat and long-serving Illinois lawmaker, announced he will retire at the end of 2026. Durbin, 80, has been in the Senate since 1996 and served as Senate Democratic Whip since 2005. He also led the Senate Judiciary Committee and helped confirm Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. In his statement, Durbin said, “In my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch.”

His retirement opens the door to a heated race for his seat. Democratic Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly, Lauren Underwood, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton are all seen as potential candidates. Though Illinois leans Democratic, Republicans see this as a rare chance to flip the seat in 2026.

Durbin’s exit is part of a larger trend—other Senate Democrats like Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Gary Peters (MI), Jon Ossoff (GA), and Tina Smith (MN) are either retiring or seen as vulnerable. The GOP hopes to capitalize, aiming to gain Senate control by flipping key battlegrounds.

With several high-profile exits, the 2026 midterms are shaping up to be a critical battle for Senate control—and the future direction of both parties.