Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin won't seek reelection

Illinois Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin announced Wednesday that he would not be seeking reelection in 2026.

"The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy," he wrote on the social media platform 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."

Durbin, 80, is in his fifth term as senator. He was elected to the House in 1982 and served seven terms before running for Senate.

Durbin is also the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"To the Illinoisans who gave the kid from East St. Louis a chance to serve: Thank you for supporting me—through words and actions—over the years," Durbin said. "Now that I have this announcement behind me, I need to get back to work."