Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), 79, has not yet decided whether to seek another term, with an announcement expected sometime after Jan. 1.

Durbin has been serving in the Senate since 1997, and his potential retirement would set off a major leadership race, his first since 2005 when he became Senate Majority Whip, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Durbin's current term doesn't expire until 2026, but if he chooses to retire, it could prompt a shakeup in Illinois' political landscape.

Among the possible Democratic contenders for Durbin's seat are Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, House Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lauren Underwood. On the Republican side, Rep. Darrin LaHood has been mentioned as a possible challenger, though no Republican has won a Senate seat in Illinois since 2010.

Durbin's Decision to Come After New Year

When asked about his reelection plans, Durbin has made it clear that no final decision will be made until after the 1st of the year. “I’ll make that decision after the 1st of the year,” Durbin said. He emphasized that his age and health are factors in his deliberations, noting that he is carefully considering his “physical and mental abilities” before making a commitment to a sixth term.

At the end of a potential sixth term, Durbin would be 88 years old. He has previously undergone multiple medical procedures, including hip surgery in June and a knee replacement just months earlier. Back in 2017, Durbin had an outpatient procedure for an abnormal heart rhythm, which further underscores his caution in making a decision.

Democratic Leadership at Stake if Durbin Retires

If Durbin opts for retirement, it would set off the most significant Democratic leadership race since former Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid retired in 2015. Durbin has been a key figure in the Senate for nearly two decades, and his departure would leave a void in both Illinois politics and the national Democratic leadership structure.

As Senate Majority Whip, Durbin has played a pivotal role in shaping legislative priorities for his party, and his absence could shift the balance of power within Democratic ranks. Any successor would have the challenge of stepping into a role that demands both political strategy and consensus-building at the highest levels of government.

Potential Candidates for Durbin’s Senate Seat

If Durbin retires, speculation is already mounting over who could succeed him in the Senate. Raoul is seen as a leading Democratic contender, with a strong base of support in the state. Additionally, Krishnamoorthi and Underwood are both being discussed as potential candidates to replace Durbin.

On the Republican side, Rep. Darrin LaHood, whose father Ray LaHood served as U.S. Secretary of Transportation, has been mentioned as a possible candidate. However, Illinois has not elected a Republican senator since 2010, and the state remains a Democratic stronghold.

Health and Age Play Key Roles in Durbin's Decision

Durbin's age and recent health concerns are pivotal to his decision. At 79, Durbin has noted that his health will play a significant role in determining whether he can continue to serve. His recent surgeries, including hip and knee procedures, underscore the physical toll of a lengthy political career.

Despite these challenges, Durbin has not ruled out running for another term. He has consistently been one of the most influential figures in the Senate and may still feel he has more to contribute. However, the decision ultimately hinges on whether he feels confident in his ability to meet the demands of the job.

Durbin's Legacy in Illinois and Beyond

Durbin has been a fixture in Illinois politics for decades. First elected to the Senate in 1997, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Senate Majority Whip in 2005. He has been a key player in some of the most important legislative battles of the past two decades, from health care reform to judicial nominations.

Should Durbin choose to retire, his legacy as a political leader in Illinois and a national figure in the Democratic Party will remain significant. His departure would also mark the end of an era for Illinois, as he has long been one of the state's most prominent political figures.

Uncertainty Surrounds Illinois' Political Future

The uncertainty surrounding Durbin's decision adds another layer of complexity to Illinois politics. If he chooses not to run, the Democratic primary for his seat could become a high-stakes race, with multiple high-profile candidates vying for the nomination. On the Republican side, a contested race could potentially give the GOP an opportunity to make gains in a state that has long been dominated by Democrats.

In the meantime, both parties are waiting for Durbin's official announcement after the new year. His decision will not only affect Illinois but could also have broader implications for the Democratic leadership structure in Washington, D.C.

Conclusion

As Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin weighs his options for reelection, Illinois and national politics hang in the balance. Durbin’s decision, expected after the new year, will determine whether he will seek a sixth term or retire after more than two decades in the Senate.

His age, health, and potential successors are all significant factors in this decision, with major political ramifications for both Illinois and the Democratic Party’s leadership in Washington.

Potential candidates from both parties are already being discussed, but much depends on whether Durbin feels ready to continue his long and influential career.