Richard Durbin — Democrat Candidate for U.S. Senate in Illinois, 2026

Richard Durbin advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, citing his work on the 2013 "Gang of Eight" bill that sought to secure borders and provide a path to citizenship for eligible undocumented immigrants. He criticizes what he calls "cruel" and "reckless" immigration enforcement tactics by the Department of Homeland Security, demanding agents adhere to the same rules as local police, including displaying identification and obtaining judicial warrants. He supports blocking DHS funding until these reforms are implemented.

““We want to make sure that the federal law enforcement agencies like ICE play by the same rules as every professional law enforcement agency in America. No exceptions when it comes down to it,” Durbin said. “Do you expect to run into a Chicago policeman wearing a mask to work, taking off his name tag? No, you don’t. And you also expect him to be wearing a video camera so that he can capture the real truth of what’s happening in front of him and during the course of the day. Those are basic to good law enforcement, basic to America, but unheard of when it comes to ICE operations.” Richard Durbin, Chicago Sun-Times, Feb. 6, 2026.”

Senator Richard Durbin opposes Republican votes that would raise health insurance premiums for millions of Americans by rejecting the extension of Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits. He emphasizes that Congress must address the rising cost of healthcare and ensure Americans are not priced out of insurance, advocating for bipartisan solutions to improve the ACA.

““Need I remind my Republicans colleagues that their votes have real consequences for the people of this country? [...] Shame on Republicans for, once again, voting to push millions of their own constituents off their health care. Senate Republicans’ vote today was the latest action in their 15 year crusade to demolish the Affordable Care Act despite the law putting affordable, quality health care within reach for tens of millions of Americans. I want to work with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to make the Affordable Care Act better.” - Senator Dick Durbin, Durbin Statement On Republicans Voting To Raise Health Insurance Premiums For Tens Of Millions Of Americans (durbin.senate.gov)”

Richard Durbin has actively supported environmental protection, evidenced by his 89% pro-environment rating from the League of Conservation Voters. He has led efforts to protect the Great Lakes, including securing funding for restoration and introducing legislation to prohibit plastic pellet discharge. Durbin also worked to reduce emissions, phase out non-essential uses of PFAS, and secured funding for electric vehicle infrastructure in Illinois.

Senator Richard Durbin supports reproductive rights, including the right to abortion, while personally opposing abortion. He voted to support cloture on the Right to IVF Act and the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, which aimed to establish statutory rights for access to reproductive technologies and health care decisions. Durbin opposed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, characterizing it as targeting healthcare providers, and stated that government should not intrude on a woman's reproductive choices with her doctor, family, and conscience.

“I finally came to the conclusion that we really have to try to honor the Roe v. Wade thinking, that there are certain times in the life of a woman that she needs to make that decision with her doctor, with her family and with her conscience and that the government shouldn’t be intruding. (Richard Durbin, interview with Tim Russert on NBC’s Meet the Press, 2005)”

Richard Durbin has strongly supported the NATO alliance, advocating for the accession of Poland and the Baltics and securing funding for their security. As a leader on the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, he directed funding for defense contractors and strengthened military bases. Durbin opposed a military attack on Iran in 2026, citing concerns about an interminable war, deadly consequences for troops, and an impulsive commander-in-chief.

““Though there is bipartisan support for stopping the development of nuclear weapons in Iran, there is no consensus for another interminable war in the Middle East. I was one of 23 Senators who voted against the war in Iraq. A war in Iran with the goal of regime change could be another long-term military commitment with deadly consequences for thousands of American troops. The rash and unpredictable conduct of President Trump is a well-established worry in many ways but an impulsive commander in chief is a deadly combination.” — Richard Durbin, Durbin Statement On The U.S. And Israel Launching A Military Attack On Iran, February 28, 2026”

Senator Richard Durbin has actively supported college affordability initiatives, including negotiating the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act and securing $61 million for the Open Textbook Pilot Program, which aims to reduce textbook costs for students. He opposed efforts to halt federal funding for Minority-Serving Institutions. Additionally, he has advocated for reauthorizing the READ Act to promote global basic education and cosponsored the Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026, which proposes significant investments in school infrastructure.

““With the rising cost of tuition, many students decline to purchase required textbooks for their coursework due to the outrageous expense. Open textbooks are a proven way to save students money while providing quality instructional materials,” Durbin said. “During my time in the Senate, I’ve fought to secure $61 million in funding for the Open Textbook Pilot Program to ensure that students can access textbooks and get the most out of their college courses.” (U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, durbin.senate.gov, Fiscal Year 2026)”

Senator Richard Durbin supports strengthening the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and making gun trafficking a federal crime, aiming to keep firearms from prohibited individuals. He is open to red flag laws and has advocated for increased funding for school safety and mental health. Durbin also challenged changes to firearm export rules, stating concerns they could aid violent cartels and drug traffickers.

“No family should ever have to suffer the loss of a child to a horrific act of violence. As we learn more about the facts in this case, I'm open to looking at what we can do, in a bipartisan way, to prevent another tragedy like this from occurring. That might include the possibility of a red flag law to keep weapons out of the hands of people who pose an imminent threat to themselves or others. I have previously supported legislation that was signed into law to strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. [...] Gun Trafficking & Crime Prevention Act, would make gun trafficking a federal crime to help keep guns off our streets and out of the hands of those who would not be allowed to buy them legally. I welcome and encourage debate between Republicans and Democrats on these bills in the weeks to come." - Richard Durbin, PBS Newshour”