Long-time Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin announced his retirement Wednesday, saying time had come for him to "pass the torch." His decision will likely set off a once-in-a-decade leadership fight among Senate Democrats vying to fill his highly-coveted positions.
Durbin first entered Congress in 1983, and has served as the Senate Democratic whip since 2005, making him the No. 2 Democrat in the chamber. Durbin also served as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee since 2021, resisting calls from progressives that he make room for a younger member given his leadership role and other legislative responsibilities.
