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

Durbin’s departure will have major implications for the Democratic caucus, where he has been the party whip for two decades, serving most recently as No. 2 to Sen. Chuck Schumer