Who Are The Front-Runners To Replace Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin As Senate's No. 2 Democrat

Long-time Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin announced his retirement Wednesday, saying time had come for him to "pass the torch." His decision will likely set off a once-in-a-decade leadership fight among Senate Democrats vying to fill his highly-coveted positions.

Durbin first entered Congress in 1983, and has served as the Senate Democratic whip since 2005, making him the No. 2 Democrat in the chamber. Durbin also served as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee since 2021, resisting calls from progressives that he make room for a younger member given his leadership role and other legislative responsibilities.

"I have to be honest about this. There are good people in the wings, good people on the bench ready to serve, and they can fight this fight just as effectively as I can. There comes a point where you have to face reality that this is the time to leave for me," Durbin said in an interview ahead of his announcement.

Durbin's retirement is significant for the future of party leadership. Whoever replaces him as the Democratic whip will become the instant front-runner to eventually replace Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. Likewise, an open fight for the whip spot next year could also complicate Schumer's strategy of privately mediating intraparty disputes, potentially exposing a deep divide on whether to elect a moderate or a progressive to help the party as it seeks to return to power.

Three names have already been indicated to be potential front-runners for this race: Sens. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, 52; Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, 64; and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, 61.

Schatz has reportedly started to campaign for the position, actively reaching out to members about replacing Durbin. According to Axios, his interest in the job is a poorly kept secret on Capitol Hill, and he's got a head start as the current chief deputy whip. Similarly, Klobuchar has made it clear she wants the job, given that she is already the No. 3 Senate Democrat and she's respected by her colleagues. As of Cortez Masto, she has expressed interest in the job, though it is unclear whether she will be able to challenge Schatz or Klobuchar.

The new leadership will rise at a time of increased tension among Democrats in Congress, especially in the Senate. Schumer has grown more unpopular after his controversial decision not to block the GOP continuing resolution in March.

Although most members of his minority conference as well as House Democrats voted against the measure, Schumer ultimately decided to allow the funding bill to come for a vote in order to avoid a government shutdown. The move was widely panned by fellow Democrats and immediately fueled discussions about the possibility of a progressive challenge against the longtime lawmaker from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez according to City and State New York.

Schatz and Cortez Masto voted with Schumer last month in support of a GOP spending plan to avert a government shutdown, while Klobuchar voted against the measure. Those votes were seen as key indicators of their interest in leadership gigs.

Durbin's retirement is also likely to set off a busy election season. Several Illinois Democrats have indicated an interest in running if the seat opened up and have been readying for a potential candidacy. They include Representatives Lauren Underwood, 38; Raja Krishnamoorthi, 51; and Robin Kelly, 68, along with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, 59.