This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
The No. 2 Democrat in the U.S. Senate, Dick Durbin, will not seek reelection in 2026, as he announced his retirement Wednesday after 44 years in Congress.
"The decision of whether to run for reelection has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States senator," Durbin said in a video he posted on X.
"But in my heart, I know it's time to pass the torch. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking reelection at the end of my term."
"I have given more than half of my life to House and Senate congressional service, and I've always tried to stand up to power on behalf of the people of Illinois and our country," he continued.
"I am proud of what I have achieved and hope my record will speak for itself.
"But none of it would have been possible without my wife, Loretta; our children, Christine, Paul, and Jennifer; my energetic grandchildren; and my extended family, who stood with me and accepted the demands of my public career.
"I have been blessed to have them, as well as the best Senate staff anyone could ask for.
"Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented.
"The threats to our democracy and way of life are real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate."
Durbin, 80, is the fourth Senate Democrat to announce their retirement this year.
"I have to be honest about this. There are good people in the wings, good people on the bench ready to serve, and they can fight this fight just as effectively as I can," Durbin told the New York Times.
"There comes a point where you have to face reality that this is the time to leave for me."
In 2018, Durbin claimed on NBC's "Meet the Press" that former President Barack Obama went eight years in office "without a major scandal."
"Under President Obama, eight years without an indictment, eight years without a major scandal," he said.
