Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, announced Wednesday he will not seek a sixth term in 2026, ending a congressional career that began in 1982.
The 80-year-old has been a central figure in Democratic leadership, and his departure is expected to spark a crowded and competitive Democratic primary in Illinois.
Reps. Lauren Underwood and Raja Krishnamoorthi are viewed as early frontrunners, with Krishnamoorthi holding a major fundraising edge thanks to a $19 million war chest. Durbin predicted “at least a dozen” candidates could enter the race.