Dick Durbin, the longtime second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, announced plans to retire at the end of next year, setting off a succession scramble to take his powerful leadership spot in the chamber and a likely crowded primary in Illinois for the seat.

Richard Durbin announced Wednesday that he will not seek a sixth term in the Senate in 2026. "The decision of whether to run for reelection has not been easy," Durbin, D-Ill., posted to social media.

Illinois leaders are praising the work done by longtime U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin from Illinois after the announcement Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026.