Illinois lawmakers are weighing in on federal legislation that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin (D) has announced he will not seek re-election for a sixth term. Durbin, now 80, was first elected to the U.S. House in 1982, and succeeded Paul Simon in the Senate in 1996.

“Republicans claim that the SAVE Act makes it illegal for non-citizens to vote, but federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting. Instead, this bill imposes unnecessary barriers to voter registration by requiring birth certificates or passports instead of driver’s licenses, state IDs or military ID,” writes Foster.

While the Illinois Senate seat is likely to stay in Democratic hands given the state's leftward tilt, Durbin is the fourth Senate Democrat to announce he would not be running for re-election in 2026. New contenders now stand a chance at an open seat in 2026 in Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Michigan.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin announced Wednesday morning he is retiring and will not run for reelection in 2026.

Senate President Don Harmon is appealing Illinois election officials’ assertion he accepted $4 million more in political cash than allowed.

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, who rose to prominence in the Senate during nearly three decades of service, has announced he won’t seek reelection.