Another Democratic Lawmaker Reportedly Plans To Retire As Generational Shift Intensifies

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) has reportedly told colleagues she plans to retire at the end of her term rather than seek reelection, becoming the latest Democrat planning to retire as an age debate in Congress intensifies.

Though no official announcement has come out yet, Schakowsky would be the first Democrat Rep. to announce her retirement and be the first of what some House Democrats expect will be a wave of retirements among their older members amid a sustained effort to oust Democrats' most senior lawmakers.

The veteran Illinois Democrat, 80, confirmed in a statement that an announcement is forthcoming. "I'm going to announce my plans on May 5th. Stay tuned," she said. Schakowsky's annual Ultimate Women's Power Lunch is set for that date in Chicago.

Schakowsky's retirement would not come as a total surprise, as she has reportedly been eyeing it for months. In fact, she is already facing a longshot primary challenge from 26-year-old progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh.

The 80-year-old progressive leader's expected announcement comes amid intensified efforts by younger Democrats to oust their most senior leaders. David Hogg, the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, recently sparked a firestorm in the party by saying he'd put millions toward primary challenges to Democrats in safe spots, though he said he wouldn't back challenges to Schakowsky or former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"People say they want change in the Democratic Party, but really they want change so long as it doesn't potentially endanger their position of power," Hogg told The New York Times in a recent interview. "That's not actually wanting change. That's selfishness."

The 14-term congresswoman was one of eight House Democrats— most over 70 years old— facing a primary challenge from a younger insurgent. In her district. While Abughazaleh has gained media attention, some expect the competition is likely to be among more established Illinois Democrats. State Sen. Laura Fine and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss are widely expected to enter the race after Schakowsky makes her plans public.

Other notable young names across the country have also gained attention for their plans to challenge senior lawmakers. Among them is Saikat Chakrabarti, a 39-year-old former chief of staff for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who launched a bid in February to oust Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Others include Jake Rakov, 37, challenging his old boss, Rep. Brad Sherman from California and George Hornedo, 34, seeking to unseat nine-term Rep. Andre Carson in Indiana.

Another fellow Democrat in her state, Sen. Dick Durbin, announced on Wednesday he will not be seeking re-election.

Durbin made his announcement in a post on social media, declaring that "it is time to pass the torch." His retirement will open up a leadership position in the chamber, including on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he served as chairman in the last Congress.

"The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it's time to pass the torch," he said in a statement. "So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term."