Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate’s minority whip, won’t run for reelection next year, leaving the No. 2 Democratic leadership spot open for the first time in two decades.
One potential replacement could be climate hawk Brian Schatz of Hawaii — who is also a top appropriator — among others.
Durbin, 80, in his retirement announcement Wednesday, said, “I truly love the job of being United States senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch.”
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Durbin is known mainly for his longtime senior role on the Judiciary Committee, where he is currently the top Democrat.
