Senate Retirements Open Door for New Generation of Democratic Candidates

Clarence Page: Durbin’s departure stirs a scramble amid a new generation

As President Trump’s polling takes a tumble 100 days into his second term — and Dick Durbin, the Senate’s second-ranking Democrat — announces his retirement, a very old hit tune by Ethel Waters comes to mind: “There’ll be some changes made.” I’m gonna change my way of livin’, and that ain’t no bluff Why, I’m thinkin’ about changin’ the way I gotta strut my stuff Because nobody wants you when you’re old and gray There’s gonna be some changes made…

‘I’ve done this my way’: Durbin reflects on decision to retire

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Standing on his backyard deck Thursday – the same place where he declared his 1996 candidacy for U.S. Senate – Illinois’ senior Sen. Dick Durbin reflected on his decision to retire after four decades in Congress.

Senator Dick Durbin, Anti-Gun Democrat, Retires After 44 Years—But Epstein Flight Log Questions Linger

Gun Owners Can Finally Say “Good Riddance” to One of the Senate’s Loudest Anti-Second Amendment Voices. Washington, D.C. – Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate’s longtime anti-gun enforcer and the #2 Democrat in the chamber, announced his retirement this week, ending a 44-year reign that Second Amendment supporters will not be mourning. However, while legacy media outlets spin Durbin’s departure as a noble step aside for “new leadership,”…

Durbin retirement paves way for more combative Senate Judiciary panel

The retirement of Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), the second-ranked Democrat in the upper chamber, is likely to usher in a new era of confrontation on the prominent Judiciary Committee. Political battles waged over the nation’s court system and…

Durbin Confirms Intent To ‘Pass The Torch,’ Setting Off Jockeying By Would-Be Senate Successors

By George Caldwell, The Daily Signal | April 23, 2025 In the wake of longtime Illinois Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin announcing his retirement Wednesday, politicians are looking back on the 80-year-old Senate minority whip’s tenure and also looking ahead to who will replace him. “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,” Durbin said.Durbin, who has served …

Democrats Want New Blood. But at Whose Expense?

Some of the party's most revered members are octogenarians facing primary challenges from a younger generation.