Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending his more than four-decade career representing Illinois. The decision puts pressure on the Democratic party as they try to reclaim a majority in the Senate. Durbin's departure will trigger a race among potential successors from both parties, although the GOP has struggled to win Senate seats in the solidly Democratic state. Durbin, who is 80 years old, has been a key figure in Congress and has championed various legislative achievements, including the movement to ban indoor smoking and the push for criminal justice reform.