Durbin suggests aging lawmakers should consider retiring
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., made headlines on Thursday when he suggested that older lawmakers, like himself, should consider stepping down from politics to make way for a younger generation. In an interview with MSNBC, Durbin emphasized the importance of leaving office on one’s own terms, stating, “If you’re honest about yourself and your reputation, you want to leave when you can still walk out the front door and not be carried out the back door.”
Durbin, who recently announced his retirement at the age of 80, acknowledged that the aging process is inevitable for all politicians. He noted that staying in office for too long can hinder one’s ability to effectively serve their constituents. While age is just a number, Durbin emphasized the importance of competence and the ability to continue performing the duties of the job.
The veteran lawmaker also highlighted the example of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who, at the age of 83, continues to draw large crowds of younger progressive Democrats at rallies and events. Sanders, who is considering running for re-election in 2030 at the age of 89, serves as a reminder that age should not be a barrier to public service if one is capable and committed to the job.
As Durbin reflected on the future of the Democratic Party, he praised former President Barack Obama for ushering in a younger demographic of leaders in the early 2000s. He emphasized the need for unity and a commitment to upholding the Constitution in the face of current threats to democracy.
Durbin’s decision to retire was seen as part of the “Biden effect,” a trend of elderly lawmakers announcing their retirements following President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election in 2024. Durbin, along with several other lawmakers, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Tina Smith, Gary Peters, and Mitch McConnell, all announced their exits in 2025.
In conclusion, Durbin’s call for older lawmakers to consider stepping down and making way for a new generation of leaders reflects a broader shift in American politics. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the importance of competence, integrity, and a commitment to public service remains paramount.
