Durbin's Parting Contribution to Democrats: A Dignified Departure
The No. 2 Senate leader is confirming a generational shift by choosing not to pursue a sixth term in the upcoming year.
TroibNews 
Upon the announcement of his retirement on Wednesday, Dick Durbin received widespread acclaim from fellow Democrats for his extensive service to Illinois, his years in Senate leadership, and his advocacy for immigrants and other causes.
However, for many younger Democrats, the most commendable aspect of Durbin's decision was his choice to retire at all.
“I have great admiration for Senator Durbin, for his leadership on human rights and working class issues, and appreciate his wisdom in paving the way for a new generation,” said Rep. Ro Khanna of California, a vocal advocate for generational change within the party.
As the second-ranking caucus leader and a prominent figure on a powerful committee, Durbin's decision not to seek a sixth term next year represents a significant generational shift. This choice coincides with a growing eagerness among party members to usher in younger Democratic leadership.
Discussions about age and seniority have gained traction following last year's push to remove then-81-year-old Joe Biden from the presidential race after a lackluster debate performance. Furthermore, the public decline of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein remains vivid in the memories of Senate Democrats, most of whom served with her.
In the House, five Democratic members aged 65 and older have passed away while in office within the past year, raising concerns about the willingness of some to continue serving as they face health challenges or aging.
Some Democrats advocating for a shift in leadership took Durbin’s announcement—where he expressed, “in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch”—as validation of their stance.
“Serving in Congress should be representative of our general populace and not exclusively a retirement community,” declared Everton Blair, a 33-year-old former Gwinnett County Public Schools school board member who is challenging 79-year-old Rep. David Scott in a primary.
Blair highlighted the recent deaths of Reps. Sylvester Turner, 70, and Raul Grijalva, 77, as evidence that the party's senior members should follow Durbin's example: “We just had two Democratic members die within weeks at a time when every vote counts. It’s a huge concern for Democrats to accomplish our agenda and to be in touch with the issues of today if we don’t proactively broaden our bench. ”
Most young Democrats framed their reactions more graciously on Wednesday, describing Durbin’s decision as a fitting conclusion to a distinguished career.
“Thank you for passing the torch. I hope more elected officials learn from your example,” wrote Kat Abughazaleh, who previously announced a primary challenge against another veteran Illinois Democrat, Rep. Jan Schakowsky. PMG reported that Schakowsky, 80, is also preparing to retire.
Amanda Litman—leader of Run For Something, a group promoting younger Democrats running for office—shared in an interview that Durbin exhibited “incredible leadership and, honestly, patriotism,” expressing hope that other older members recognize how retiring with dignity leads to celebration.
“They’re not bad people for having stayed in office—this is not a personal failing,” she noted. “It is a sign of deep personal awareness and an understanding that the job is bigger than the person.”
The growing readiness to address the party’s age issue coincides with demands from the Democratic base for leaders who will respond more actively to President Donald Trump. DNC Vice Chair David Hogg, a youth activist, stirred controversy in the party by pledging $20 million to candidates willing to challenge incumbents in safe Democratic districts, while House Democrats faced discontent with senior committee leaders at the end of the previous year.
Many older Democrats appear to be receiving the message. Durbin is the fourth Senate Democrat to announce retirement plans for the end of their terms next year, all of whom are over 65. In an interview with Chicago’s WBEZ-FM, Durbin remarked that age was a significant factor in his decision: “You observe your colleagues and watch what happens. For some of them, there’s this miraculous aging process where they never seem to get too old. But for a number of other people, they’re not so lucky.”
“I’m physically and mentally strong,” he emphasized, “but I don’t want to wait too long and test fate.”
Durbin’s retirement will also create important leadership vacancies in the Senate, where seniority often intersects with ambition, leading to leadership bottlenecks. Jockeying for position has already begun.
Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, 52, who serves as the Democrats’ chief deputy whip, is seen as a top contender to succeed Durbin in the No. 2 role. Although Schatz has not publicly indicated his plans regarding the whip position, he is privately making calls about the race, according to a source who requested anonymity.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, currently 64 and serving as the No. 3 Senate Democrat, could potentially ascend if she chooses to enter the competition. Should either she or Schatz rise in rank, it could lead to a broader leadership shuffle. Additionally, Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has sparked speculation regarding his ambitions after receiving significant media attention for his recent trip to El Salvador to meet with a man wrongfully deported from his state.
On the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is anticipated to succeed Durbin as the leading Democrat. At 69, while not significantly younger than Durbin, he is regarded as more combative and prepared to engage aggressively with a group of assertive younger Republicans on the panel.
The waves of generational change are also evident in the anticipated crowded Democratic primary to succeed Durbin in Illinois, where no Republican has won a Senate seat since 2010. Supporters of potential candidates are emphasizing the narrative of generational change as they await developments in the race.
Erik Polyak, managing director of 314 Action Fund, which is allied with 38-year-old Rep. Lauren Underwood, praised Durbin following his announcement but noted that “voters are ready for the next generation of bold leadership.”
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
However, for many younger Democrats, the most commendable aspect of Durbin's decision was his choice to retire at all.
“I have great admiration for Senator Durbin, for his leadership on human rights and working class issues, and appreciate his wisdom in paving the way for a new generation,” said Rep. Ro Khanna of California, a vocal advocate for generational change within the party.
As the second-ranking caucus leader and a prominent figure on a powerful committee, Durbin's decision not to seek a sixth term next year represents a significant generational shift. This choice coincides with a growing eagerness among party members to usher in younger Democratic leadership.
Discussions about age and seniority have gained traction following last year's push to remove then-81-year-old Joe Biden from the presidential race after a lackluster debate performance. Furthermore, the public decline of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein remains vivid in the memories of Senate Democrats, most of whom served with her.
In the House, five Democratic members aged 65 and older have passed away while in office within the past year, raising concerns about the willingness of some to continue serving as they face health challenges or aging.
Some Democrats advocating for a shift in leadership took Durbin’s announcement—where he expressed, “in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch”—as validation of their stance.
“Serving in Congress should be representative of our general populace and not exclusively a retirement community,” declared Everton Blair, a 33-year-old former Gwinnett County Public Schools school board member who is challenging 79-year-old Rep. David Scott in a primary.
Blair highlighted the recent deaths of Reps. Sylvester Turner, 70, and Raul Grijalva, 77, as evidence that the party's senior members should follow Durbin's example: “We just had two Democratic members die within weeks at a time when every vote counts. It’s a huge concern for Democrats to accomplish our agenda and to be in touch with the issues of today if we don’t proactively broaden our bench. ”
Most young Democrats framed their reactions more graciously on Wednesday, describing Durbin’s decision as a fitting conclusion to a distinguished career.
“Thank you for passing the torch. I hope more elected officials learn from your example,” wrote Kat Abughazaleh, who previously announced a primary challenge against another veteran Illinois Democrat, Rep. Jan Schakowsky. PMG reported that Schakowsky, 80, is also preparing to retire.
Amanda Litman—leader of Run For Something, a group promoting younger Democrats running for office—shared in an interview that Durbin exhibited “incredible leadership and, honestly, patriotism,” expressing hope that other older members recognize how retiring with dignity leads to celebration.
“They’re not bad people for having stayed in office—this is not a personal failing,” she noted. “It is a sign of deep personal awareness and an understanding that the job is bigger than the person.”
The growing readiness to address the party’s age issue coincides with demands from the Democratic base for leaders who will respond more actively to President Donald Trump. DNC Vice Chair David Hogg, a youth activist, stirred controversy in the party by pledging $20 million to candidates willing to challenge incumbents in safe Democratic districts, while House Democrats faced discontent with senior committee leaders at the end of the previous year.
Many older Democrats appear to be receiving the message. Durbin is the fourth Senate Democrat to announce retirement plans for the end of their terms next year, all of whom are over 65. In an interview with Chicago’s WBEZ-FM, Durbin remarked that age was a significant factor in his decision: “You observe your colleagues and watch what happens. For some of them, there’s this miraculous aging process where they never seem to get too old. But for a number of other people, they’re not so lucky.”
“I’m physically and mentally strong,” he emphasized, “but I don’t want to wait too long and test fate.”
Durbin’s retirement will also create important leadership vacancies in the Senate, where seniority often intersects with ambition, leading to leadership bottlenecks. Jockeying for position has already begun.
Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, 52, who serves as the Democrats’ chief deputy whip, is seen as a top contender to succeed Durbin in the No. 2 role. Although Schatz has not publicly indicated his plans regarding the whip position, he is privately making calls about the race, according to a source who requested anonymity.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, currently 64 and serving as the No. 3 Senate Democrat, could potentially ascend if she chooses to enter the competition. Should either she or Schatz rise in rank, it could lead to a broader leadership shuffle. Additionally, Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has sparked speculation regarding his ambitions after receiving significant media attention for his recent trip to El Salvador to meet with a man wrongfully deported from his state.
On the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is anticipated to succeed Durbin as the leading Democrat. At 69, while not significantly younger than Durbin, he is regarded as more combative and prepared to engage aggressively with a group of assertive younger Republicans on the panel.
The waves of generational change are also evident in the anticipated crowded Democratic primary to succeed Durbin in Illinois, where no Republican has won a Senate seat since 2010. Supporters of potential candidates are emphasizing the narrative of generational change as they await developments in the race.
Erik Polyak, managing director of 314 Action Fund, which is allied with 38-year-old Rep. Lauren Underwood, praised Durbin following his announcement but noted that “voters are ready for the next generation of bold leadership.”
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
