2026 Election

Democrats Are Already Lining Up to Replace Dick Durbin in the Senate

One Democratic candidate declared within 24 hours of Durbin’s announcement that he won’t seek reelection. Others are expected to jump in. And a leadership race will soon also be underway.

Dick Durbin AP-21060711866032

Sen. Dick Durbin attends a Senate meeting on Capitol Hill. Susan Walsh/AP

By Helen Huiskes and Ursula Perano

April 24, 2025 01:30 PM

A day after Sen. Dick Durbin announced he would not seek reelection, the race to replace him is fully on.

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton made it official early Thursday: She’s running.

Stratton was quickly endorsed by the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, which said it’s “committing seven figures in support of her campaign.” She also believes she has Gov. JB Pritzker’s support, sources told Politico in March, though the governor has thus far declined to endorse anyone.