Richard Joseph Durbin, born on November 21, 1944, is a prominent American attorney and politician who has represented Illinois as a senior United States senator since 1997. A dedicated member of the Democratic Party, Durbin is currently serving his fifth term in the Senate and has held the influential position of Senate Democratic whip since 2005. He became the Senate majority whip in 2021 and is recognized for his role as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he oversaw the historic nomination hearings for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Hailing from East St. Louis, Illinois, Durbin pursued higher education at the School of Foreign Service and earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. His political career began in the 1970s as a state legal counsel, leading to an unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor in 1978. Durbin entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, serving the 20th congressional district, which is centered around Springfield.
Over his extensive political career, Durbin has been reelected to the Senate in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020, demonstrating his sustained support among constituents. As the dean of Illinois's congressional delegation, he has had significant influence, serving multiple terms as both majority and minority whip, showcasing his leadership and dedication to advancing legislative priorities for his state and the nation.
