Durbin exit fuels talk of ‘Biden effect’ as aging Senate Democrats step aside
The “Biden Effect” has sent shockwaves through Congress, prompting a wave of retirements among long-serving lawmakers. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin’s recent announcement that he will not seek reelection after nearly four decades in Congress is just the latest example of this phenomenon.
In 2024, President Joe Biden faced a disastrous debate performance against President Donald Trump, leading to his political downfall and the rise of his younger deputy, Kamala Harris. Since then, a number of senators, mostly Democrats, and many above retirement age, have announced their departures from Congress.
Political scientist Ross Baker of Rutgers University has dubbed this trend the “Biden Effect,” noting that it has affected older Democrats in particular. Senators such as Jeanne Shaheen, Tina Smith, Gary Peters, and Mitch McConnell have all announced their retirements in the wake of Biden’s fall from grace.
Before Durbin’s announcement, several other Democrats, including Benjamin Cardin, Tom Carper, Debbie Stabenow, and Joe Manchin, had already declared their exits. The impact of the “Biden Effect” is clear as these long-serving lawmakers make way for a new generation of leaders.
Durbin’s decision has already attracted a challenger in the form of Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is 20 years his junior. Similarly, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing potential primary challenges from progressive firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2028.
Schumer’s recent support for a GOP government funding bill resulted in a backlash from his own party, with his polling numbers in New York hitting a 20-year low. Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez’s popularity is on the rise, making her a formidable opponent for the aging Schumer.
The push for younger Democrats to take the reins has gained momentum, with DNC vice chair David Hogg launching a project to recruit and support primary challengers for older Democratic incumbents. This shift in party politics reflects a growing desire for change and new leadership.
While some older lawmakers, like Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Bernie Sanders, have not been affected by the “Biden Effect,” others, like McConnell, have chosen to step aside after decades in Congress. The upcoming elections promise to bring significant changes to the composition of Congress as a new generation of leaders emerges.
In conclusion, the “Biden Effect” has reshaped the political landscape, leading to a wave of retirements among long-serving lawmakers. As new faces and voices enter the fray, the future of Congress looks to be in a state of flux, with the old guard making way for a new generation of leaders.
