Dick Durbin is NOT seeking re-election!!!

[a kennedy]

Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin is retiring at the end of next year after more than four decades in Washington in a move that also will set off a leadership fight among his colleagues in the Senate Democratic caucus.

"The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch," the 80-year-old Durbin said in a video posted on April 23 to social media.

Durbin, the longtime second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, was elected to serve in the U.S. Senate in 1996 after spending 14 years in the House. He is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., commented quickly on the announcement.

"Dick Durbin has been more than a colleague—he’s been a trusted partner, one of the most respected voices in the Senate for decades, my dear friend, and, of course, my former roommate," Schumer said in a statement.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/23/dick-durbin-illinois-retirement-senate/83230274007/?tbref=hp

[Peacetrain]

1. Thank you Sen Durbin!!!

for your years of service and I know you will be there for the younger Democrats as they come into office..

[a kennedy]

2. Is his area Blue, or are we gonna have a fight on our hands??

[bearsfootball516]

3. It's the state of Illinois. He's a senator.

[a kennedy]

8. Ah, dah.....thanks....Senator.

Oh, and Go Pack.

[Mad_Machine76]

6. Illinois is strongly Blue

Should be pretty safe

[WarGamer]

9. Similar to NY...

It's a RED State with a really big, really blue city in the North end.

Grew up an hour South of Chicago... I know of what I speak lol

[Mad_Machine76]

13. Really?

I had no idea. Do you feel Durbin's seat is at risk?

[WarGamer]

16. Hell NO...

All the folks out in the sticks may vote GOP but Chicago and the burbs are blue and HUGE

[Grins]

4. Good news. Now take Schumer with you.

And for the same reason - you’re too old! Move on!

[SocialDemocrat61]

5. My dream candidate would be

Michelle Obama but that will never happen.

[3catwoman3]

11. See my post #10 - how about Lauren Underwood?

[BluenFLA]

7. Hallelujah!!!

Now let's get someone with fire.

[3catwoman3]

10. I think Lauren Underwood would be an excellent senator.

[mopinko]

14. rumor has it stratton is interested.

i asked my state rep about this recently and she was her pick.
wd adore underwood in the senate, tho she might b too nice for our times.

[3catwoman3]

17. Lt. Governor Stratton was the speaker at the McHenry County...

...Dems annual fund raising dinner April 12th. It was a sold out event. She's a very good speaker. Rather fiery.

[rurallib]

19. sounds like you folks have a deep bench!

Any MAGA with any stature that might throw a wrench into the works?

[PedroXimenez]

20. Alan Keyes can try again

what a comeback that would be.

[Quiet Em]

18. Lauren Underwood is fantastic.

I'm not from Illionois but if I was she'd have my vote.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

12. Senator Durbin will be missed

Link to tweet

[mobeau69]

15. "Dick Durban, you make us all proud". BHO 2004