CHICAGO – Illinois Senator Dick Durbin says he will not run for re-election next year.

Durbin made that announcement in a video message Wednesday. 

Durbin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, representing the Springfield-based 20th Congressional District. After serving seven House terms, Durbin was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 5, 1996, and re-elected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020. Durbin filled the seat left vacant by the retirement of his long-time friend and mentor, U.S. Senator Paul Simon.

Durbin also serves as the Senate Democratic Whip, the second highest ranking position among Senate Democrats. Durbin has been elected to this leadership post by his Democratic colleagues every two years since 2005 and is the longest serving Whip for either party.