U.S. Senator Dick Durbin announces he will not seek reelection

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Longtime Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin announced he will not seek a sixth term.

Sen. Durbin announced in a video posted to YouTube that he will leave office in 2027.

"In my heart, I know it's time to pass the torch," he said. "The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected to the Senate in our state's history. I'm truly grateful."

Durbin is 80 years old. He is a Democrat from Springfield and the 47th U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois.

He is the state's senior senator and serves as the Senate Democratic Whip, the second highest ranking position among the Senate Democrats. He has been elected to the post by his colleagues every two years since 2005.

He serves as a Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and sits on the Appropriations and Agriculture Committees.

"Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented," he continued in the video statement. "The threats to our democracy and way of life are very real, and I can assure you, I'll do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country with every day of my remaining time in the Senate."

Governor JB Pritzker released a statement on Durbin's announcement saying, "MK and I want to express our sincere congratulations to Senator Dick Durbin on his retirement and our utmost gratitude for representing the people of Illinois with integrity and honor.

“Throughout his career, Senator Durbin has been a consistent champion and reliable leader for our working families, civil rights, healthcare, climate, and beyond. From first introducing the DREAM Act, to leading the historic confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to bringing in major federal infrastructure projects to our state, Senator Durbin has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of everyday Illinoisans.

“His legacy is defined not just by the legislation he passed, but by the undeniable positive impact his character and moral leadership has had on the nation. Together with his talented wife Loretta who has trained and encouraged so many women who have become successful public servants, Dick remains a clear voice for truth, equality, and justice.

“The people of Illinois should take great pride having a leader like Dick Durbin represent us in the U.S. Senate. I have been proud to be his partner and am even more proud to call him my friend. He will leave some extraordinary shoes to fill – and has given us all an example of courage and righteousness for the work ahead. No doubt we will all celebrate him during his final 20 months in office.

“On behalf of the entire state of Illinois, I want to wish Senator Durbin a peaceful, fulfilling, and family-filled retirement.”