Richard Durbin announced Wednesday that he will not seek a sixth term in the Senate in 2026. "The decision of whether to run for reelection has not been easy," Durbin, D-Ill., posted to social media.

Dick Durbin, the longtime second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, announced plans to retire at the end of next year, setting off a succession scramble to take his powerful leadership spot in the chamber and a likely crowded primary in Illinois for the seat.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Senate Democrat, is retiring after 30 years of service. The powerful Judiciary Committee chairman will step down at the end of his term.