Senator Durbin Announces Retirement, But Who Will Take His Place?

Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin’s retirement announcement has ignited a scramble for power among potential successors in the solidly-blue state and launched speculation about future Senate leadership changes.

Key Takeaways

Senator Dick Durbin has announced his retirement effective 2026, which will end nearly three decades representing Illinois in the Senate.
His departure creates vacancies in key Democratic leadership positions, including Senate Whip and Judiciary Committee Chair.
A crowded field of potential Democratic candidates is forming, with Rep. Lauren Underwood showing early polling strength.
Illinois is considered a safe Democratic seat, with forecasters rating it “solid Democrat” for 2026.
Republicans face an uphill battle, though a few GOP candidates have announced bids or expressed interest in running.

Durbin’s Departure Marks End of an Era

Senator Dick Durbin’s announcement that he won’t seek a sixth term in 2026 marks a significant transition in Illinois politics after nearly 30 years of his Senate service. The 79-year-old Democrat has been a fixture in Washington since 1997 and has served as the Democratic whip since 2005, making him the second-ranking Democrat in the chamber. His retirement follows a challenging 2024 election cycle where Democrats lost control of both the White House and Senate, fueling calls from the party base for leadership changes and generational renewal.

Durbin’s departure will create vacancies in key positions, including the Senate Democratic whip role and the top Democratic spot on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Current forecasts suggest Sen. Brian Schatz, the chief deputy whip, may be positioned to assume the whip position, while Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is expected to take over Judiciary Committee leadership. The retirement adds to a growing list of Democratic senators stepping aside, including Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Tina Smith of Minnesota.

Early Frontrunners Emerge in Illinois

A recent poll conducted by 314 Action Fund of likely Democratic primary voters shows Representative Lauren Underwood with a slight lead over fellow Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi in a hypothetical matchup. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton recently announced her candidacy for the position. Other potential Democratic candidates include Representatives Robin Kelly and Delia Ramirez, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who currently serves as US Ambassador to Japan.

Lieutenant Governor Stratton, who is herself considered a potential candidate, praised Durbin’s service in a statement: “For almost three decades, Dick Durbin has been a fierce champion for Illinois in the United States Senate. His leadership on healthcare, veterans issues, infrastructure, DACA, our judiciary system, and so much more will continue to leave a positive impact on our country for years to come.”

Republican Challenges in a Blue State

While Republicans will certainly contest the seat, Illinois’ status as a solidly Democratic state presents significant challenges for the GOP. The Cook Political Report classifies the race as solid Democrat, reflecting the state’s strong Democratic lean in recent elections. Despite these headwinds, Representative Darin LaHood has emerged as a potential Republican contender, though he has not formally committed to a run.

Two other Republicans, including former House candidate Doug Bennett and military veteran John Goodman, have both announced bids for the seat, according to Reuters.

The race in Illinois comes amid a broader leadership transition in the Senate, where Republicans have already elected Senator John Thune as their new leader following Mitch McConnell’s departure after 17 years. Democrats now face their own leadership questions as Durbin’s retirement approaches, potentially setting up competitive contests for key positions within the Democratic caucus. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker have been mentioned as possible contenders for the whip position, adding another dimension to the post-Durbin landscape.