Durbin Reignites Speculation on 2026 Plans
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin speaks at a rail project ribbon cutting in Springfield Monday. (Photo: State Journal-Register)
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United States Senator Dick Durbin set off a new round of speculation about his political future Monday, claiming he hadn’t made up his mind about running for a sixth-term in the U.S. Senate in two years.
Speaking to media after a ribbon cutting for a re-opened road and railroad project in Springfield Monday, Durbin was asked if he had decided on his political future.
“I have not made a final decision on that and I’ll let you know when I do,” Durbin said.
We’ve reported on Durbin’s future multiple times (here, here, and here) and his staff has responded each time that he has not made plans for “2026 or beyond.”
Durbin would turn 82 a couple of weeks after the 2022 election, and his term would run until he is 88. Durbin has had multiple bouts with COVID, a knee replacement in 2023, and a hip replacement in June.
Some Democrats privately contend they believe Durbin looks “weary” and “weak.”
Durbin raised about $88,000 in the last quarter and had around $1.8 million in the bank on July 1. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Schaumburg), who has long been rumored to be eyeing a run for Durbin’s seat, is sitting on a war chest of around $17.3 million.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who lost the U.S. Senate race in 2010, is also rumored to be a potential candidate if Durbin steps aside. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) is also rumored to be interested. It has long been believed Durbin preferred former State Senator, now Deputy Governor Andy Manar for the post, but has also privately spoken highly in support of Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield).
Neither of Illinois’ U.S. Senate seats is on the ballot in 2024.