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.

Durbin was first elected to the Senate in 1996, succeeding Democratic Sen. Paul Simon. In the primary that year, Durbin defeated Pat Quinn, who would later become governor of Illinois. In the general election that year, Durbin defeated Al Salvi, the husband of Kathy Salvi, who now chairs the Illinois Republican Party.