BREAKING: Dem Sen Dick Durbin will not seek reelection in 2026

"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 wrote. "But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term." Durbin was next up for reelection in 2026.

Durbin continued, "The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected to the Senate in our state’s history, and I am truly grateful. Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented. The threats to our democracy and way of life are real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate."

"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. Now that I have this announcement behind me, I need to get back to work." Durbin was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and was reelected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020.

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