Sen. Dick Durbin, No. 2 Senate Democrat, Announces Retirement After 44 Years in Congress

Durbin, 79, will not seek re-election in 2024, ending a historic career.

Serving Illinois since 1982: 14 years in the House, 30 in the Senate.

44 years in Congress: House (1983–1997), Senate (1997–2025).

– Longest-serving Illinois senator. – Senate Majority Whip since 2005.

Senate Democratic Whip since 2005, shaping key legislation

Champion of immigration reform, gun control, and healthcare.

Key ally to Presidents Obama & Biden; shaped Democratic agenda.

A steady force in progressive politics.

Transformed Illinois politics; mentored rising Democrats.

Won 6 Senate races by double digits.

Judiciary Committee Chair

Oversaw confirmations of Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Amy Coney Barrett.

At 80, Durbin announces he won't seek reelection in 2026, saying it's time to "pass the torch."