The second most powerful Democrat in the U.S. Senate clarified his plans to run for re-election for his fifth straight term in 2020.
This news comes two days after a new statehouse democrat, Anne Stava-Murray, announced her plans to run for his seat in a primary contest.
Durbin is 74-years-old. He considered retirement after a minor heart operation in 2017.
The Illinois Republican Party reacted to his announcement with a statement slamming Durbin as “the ultimate career politician” saying, “The people of Illinois deserve a senator who works for the people for a change.”
No republican has come forward to challenge him yet.