Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), the second-ranked Democrat in the Senate, announced Wednesday that he would not seek reelection.
The Senate Democrat Whip, who has been in the Senate since 1996, made the announcement in a video message posted on social media on Wednesday.
“Deciding whether to run for reelection or not was not easy. I really love the job of being a US Senator, but in my mind I am today to announce that I will not seek reelection at the end of my term because I know it’s time to pass the torch.”
“The people of Illinois have respected me for this responsibility more than anyone elected in the Senate and our state’s history. I am truly grateful. The challenges our country is facing right now are historical and unprecedented,” Durbin said.
“The threat to our democracy and way of life is very realistic and I can guarantee you. I will do everything in my power to fight for the future of Illinois and our country.
He thanked his family and staff and assures Illinois people that Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a colleague in the Senate, is “a trustworthy friend and an effective leader.”
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Durbin served in the US House of Representatives from 1982 before winning a Senate seat in 1996. If he had won for reelection, he would have been 88 at the end of his next term.
“You’re observing your colleagues and you’re seeing what happens. Some of them have this miraculous aging process that makes them seem like they’re never too old,” he says. I saidaccording to WBEZ Chicago.
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Durbin follows other Democrat senators, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) – It has also been announced that he will not seek reelection.
