Senator Dick Durbin, the longtime U.S. Senator from Illinois, is not retiring, despite reports suggesting a race to replace him. Durbin, who serves as the Senate Majority Whip, is currently serving a term that runs through January 2027. There is no active campaign to replace him in the 2024 election cycle, and he has not announced his retirement.
Clarifying the Status of the Illinois Senate Seat
The seat held by Dick Durbin is not on the ballot for the 2024 general election. According to the official records of the United States Senate, Durbin was most recently re-elected in 2020. His current term concludes at the start of the 117th Congress’s successor session in early 2027.
Confusion regarding potential replacements for Durbin often stems from the high-profile nature of Illinois politics, but no primary or general election contest to fill his seat is currently underway.
Overview of Illinois Political Leadership
The individuals mentioned in reports regarding potential Senate races—such as Republican candidate Peggy Hubbard or others—are not running against Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton for a U.S. Senate seat. Juliana Stratton currently serves as the 48th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, having been elected alongside Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
The Illinois State Board of Elections maintains the official list of certified candidates for all state and federal offices. As of the current election cycle, the U.S. Senate seat representing Illinois is not subject to a vacancy or an expiring term.
Fact Check: Election Cycles and Term Limits
- Senator Dick Durbin: First elected in 1996, Durbin is the senior U.S. Senator from Illinois. His term expires in January 2027.
- Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: Serving her second term as Lieutenant Governor, Stratton’s office is a state-level executive position, not a legislative one.
- Election Misconceptions: Candidates seeking federal office in Illinois for the 2024 cycle are running for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, as Illinois’ two Senate seats are not up for election this year.
Summary of Representation
Illinois voters are represented in the U.S. Senate by Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. Senator Duckworth’s term also does not expire until January 2029. Any claims regarding an open Senate seat or a race to replace Durbin are inaccurate based on the current federal election schedule.