The retirement of Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), the second-ranked Democrat in the upper chamber, is likely to usher in a new era of confrontation on the prominent Judiciary Committee. Political battles waged over the nation’s court system and presidential judicial nominees often begin on the panel.

The Illinois senator— the minority whip and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee — will not seek reelection in 2026, narrowing Democrats' chances of retaking the chamber.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois says he won’t seek reelection to a sixth term in 2026 and knows “it’s time to pass the torch.”