SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate honored the extraordinary career and public service legacy of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin following his announcement that he will retire 2026 after more than four decades in Congress.
Durbin announced in April 2025 that he would retire at the end of his current term, saying it was “time to pass the torch” after serving five Senate terms and a total of 44 years in Congress. During his speech, he discussed the many individuals in his life that have inspired him to write legislation for everyday people. He noted the importance of continuing to advocate for immigrants, as a proud son of an immigrant, the need to keep integrity in elections and tackling the ongoing public health issue of minors depending on vapes.
Senate President Don Harmon, alongside members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, joined their House colleagues to highlight and acknowledge the many momentous and historic moments of Durbin’s career.
“Senator Durbin built a remarkable career on steady leadership, hard work and an unwavering commitment to the people of Illinois. His impact on this state will be felt for years to come through his investment in the next generation of public servants,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I’m grateful for his friendship, his years of service and the example he set for those who choose public service. On behalf of the Illinois Senate, we thank Dick, Loretta and their family for all they have given to Illinois.”
Durbin, the longest-serving U.S. Senator in Illinois history, has represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate since 1997 after serving seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives beginning in 1983.
Throughout his career, he became one of the most influential voices in Washington, serving as Senate Democratic Whip since 2005 and leading major efforts on immigration reform, public health, consumer protection, criminal justice reform and judicial confirmations.
“Senator Durbin’s downstate values remind us of what representation is all about,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “It is about having conversations with everyone, meeting people in the middle and remembering how you got where you are today. Congratulations, my friend, on a wonderful career.”
Among his many accomplishments, Durbin led the effort to ban smoking on airplanes, championed the DREAM Act and protections for Dreamers, pushed for criminal justice reforms and advocated for stronger consumer protections in the financial system. He also played a major role in shaping the federal judiciary and securing federal investments for Illinois communities.
“Dick Durbin is a name that will shine in Illinois history – and American history – as a proud son of our great state who made a huge impact on the United States Senate,” said State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). “He delivered time and again for Illinois, for our country, and for the US Senate as an institution for more than a generation. We appreciate his exceptional service.”
Members of the Senate thanked Durbin for his decades of leadership and wished him and his family the very best in his retirement. To learn more about Durbin’s legacy, read the full House Resolution 936 presented to the full General Assembly here.
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