Dick Durbin: U.S. Senator from Illinois

Dick Durbin is a longtime U.S. Senator from Illinois whose career spans more than four decades in Congress. Source 2

Early Life and Education

Born Richard Joseph Durbin on November 21, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Durbin trained as an attorney before entering public service. Source 3

Congressional Career

U.S. House of Representatives (1983–1997)

Durbin represented Illinois’s 20th congressional district in the House for 14 years, from 1983 until 1997. Source 10

U.S. Senate (1997–2027)

Elected to the Senate in 1996, he took office on January 3, 1997. He became Illinois’s senior senator and served on the Judiciary, Appropriations, Agriculture, and Rules committees. Source 7

Leadership Roles

Durbin rose to Senate Democratic Whip, the second-highest position in the Democratic caucus. He is known for consumer-protection legislation, including the Durbin Amendment and the Credit Card Competition Act. Source 1

Retirement and Legacy

Durbin announced his retirement on April 23, 2025. Illinois lawmakers honored him on May 27, 2026, for 44 years of service; his term ends January 3, 2027. Source 4

Online Presence

He maintains an active Senate website and Facebook page (68,744 likes as of March 2026) and has 4,346 C-SPAN appearances since 1983. Source 6

FAQ

When was Dick Durbin born?
November 21, 1944.

Which state has Dick Durbin represented in the U.S. Senate?
Illinois.

What leadership position did Durbin hold in the Senate?
Democratic Whip (Senate Minority Whip).

Why is Dick Durbin retiring?
He announced his retirement in April 2025, citing a desire for generational transition after 44 years in Congress.

What notable legislation is Dick Durbin known for?
The Durbin Amendment and the Credit Card Competition Act.

When does Dick Durbin’s Senate term end?
January 3, 2027.