Dick Durbin, second-ranked Senate Democrat, says hes retiring after five terms: Its time to pass the torch

WASHINGTON — Sen.Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, saying he would “pass the torch” to up-and-coming leaders in his party.The no.

2 Democrat in the Senate posted a video message on X explaining his decision to step down after having served five terms — “longer than anyone elected to the Senate” in Illinois’ history.“The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy.I truly love the job of being a United States senator,” Durbin said.

“But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch.”The 80-year-old added that “a strong Democratic bench” would be “ready to serve” in his place — without naming any immediate successors — and touted his support for fellow Illinois Democratic Sen.Tammy Duckworth to replace him as Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s second-in-command.This is a developing story.

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