Dick Durbin of Illinois, the second highest ranking Democrat in the Senate, announced that he’s retiring after 44 years of service on Capitol Hill. The incumbent, who recently turned 80, will serve the remainder of his term before stepping down next year.

The number two Senate Democrat's pending departure is a pivotal moment for a party looking for leadership in the second Trump administration

Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin will not seek reelection next year, he said on Wednesday, setting the stage for a competitive intra-party contest to fill his seat in the Democratic-leaning state of Illinois.