In a bombshell announcement, a Senator who served as the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat since 2005 disclosed he will be retiring after more than four decades of pushing liberal policies in Congress.
See the video below.
The 80-year-old Democrat leaves behind a legacy of immigration advocacy, financial regulation, and mentoring former President Barack Obama’s political career.
Durbin, who has held his Senate seat since 1997 after first being elected to the House in 1982, made his retirement announcement with little fanfare.
His decision opens up what political analysts describe as a safe Democrat seat in Illinois, though it will likely set off intense competition among left-wing candidates eager to replace him.
As a key architect of the controversial DREAM Act and supporter of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Durbin has been a constant advocate for illegal aliens.
His retirement comes as the border crisis has reached unprecedented levels under the past administration, with millions of illegal crossings overwhelming American communities.
While Democrats will likely maintain control of the seat, Durbin’s exit creates a significant vacancy in the Senate Democrat leadership.
Potential candidates include Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, and Congresswoman Robin Kelly—all of whom align with the party’s progressive wing.
Throughout his career, Durbin has been a reliable vote for expanding government regulations, particularly in the financial sector through the Dodd-Frank legislation.
Many conservatives believe that stifled economic growth is caused by burdensome rules on community banks and financial institutions.
“The decision of whether to run for reelection 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,” Durbin stated in his retirement announcement.
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.
So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term. pic.twitter.com/eiBTPjToFT
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) April 23, 2025
As Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Durbin led the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and vigorously opposed the confirmation of conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
His committee was also responsible for conducting hearings on various Biden judicial nominees who have been criticized for their far-left views and questionable qualifications.
In a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation, Durbin co-sponsored the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform law signed by President Trump in 2018.
This legislation remains one of the few substantive bipartisan achievements in recent years, starkly contrasting the deeply partisan character of Durbin’s overall political career.
Furthermore, his exit adds to a growing list of aging senators stepping down, including five over the age of 65, indicating a generational shift in Washington.
While this presents an opportunity for fresh conservative voices in some states, Illinois will likely remain a Democrat stronghold.
For conservatives, Durbin’s retirement marks the end of an era dominated by liberal politicians who consistently advanced policies that questioned traditional American values.
His departure creates an opportunity for balanced debate on immigration, financial regulation, and the role of government.
